Have you ever wondered what would happen if you combined a dog and a car? Well, you might get something like W1, a wheeled quadruped robot that can switch between walking and rolling modes depending on the terrain.
W1 is the first product of LimX Dynamics, a Chinese company that specializes in legged robotics technology. It’s part of a growing trend and demand for legged robots, especially in China, where the government and industry are investing heavily in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Four-legged W1 robot (LimX Dynamics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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What can this robot really do?
W1 is a four-legged robot with drive wheels at the ends of its legs. He can use these wheels to move quickly and easily on smooth surfaces such as roads, sidewalks or floors.
It can also use its paws to overcome obstacles, climb stairs or move over uneven terrain. When rolling over bumpy surfaces, such as dirt roads, its legs may bend to make the ride smoother. Additionally, by bending your legs, you can adjust the angle and height of your body, allowing you to maintain balance, avoid overhead obstacles, and fit into tight spaces.
Four-legged W1 robot (LimX Dynamics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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What allows the bot to switch between different modes?
W1 has smart sensors and software that help you see and move. It also has powerful motors and wheels that allow it to change the way it moves depending on where it is. It can move on its own or follow human commands.
W1 four-legged star-climbing robot (LimX Dynamics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The versatility and adaptability of its design.
W1 is designed for various applications such as industrial inspection, logistics and distribution, research and education. Thanks to its wheeled legs and motion intelligence technology, it can perform a wide range of tasks and functions.
It can also be customized and upgraded with different sensors, tools and accessories, depending on the application and scenario. But don’t think that W1 is just a lone worker. He can also team up with other robots or humans.
Four-legged robots W1 (LimX Dynamics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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What are the challenges for this robot?
W1 can reach a top speed of 15.5 mph on wheels, but may lose balance or tip over if it encounters sudden bumps or turns. It also needs to reduce speed when switching between locomotion modes, which can affect its performance and efficiency.
W1 four-legged moving robot (LimX Dynamics) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How does it compare to other quadruped robots?
W1 is not the first quadruped robot to have wheels on its legs. In 2021 we saw the Swiss-Mile robot, a similar concept developed by researchers at ETH Zurich and the University of Bologna. However, the W1 claims to have some advantages over its predecessor, such as faster speed, longer battery life, and lower cost.
W1 also faces competition from other quadruped robots that do not have wheels, such as Boston Dynamics announcement, A1 from Unitree and Vision from Ghost Robotics. These robots are also capable of off-road mobility and general-purpose tasks, but rely solely on leg locomotion. The W1’s wheeled legs give it an advantage in terms of speed and efficiency on flat surfaces, while maintaining the agility and versatility of a legged robot.
Kurt’s Key Takeaways
W1 is an extraordinary robot that demonstrates the power and possibilities of legged robotic technology. It is a hybrid of dog and car, walker and roller, machine and creature. Incredibly, it can adapt to any terrain or situation and perform virtually any task and function. Pre-orders will begin later this year, along with performance, specifications, and pricing.
What do you think of W1, the quadruped robot with wheels? Is it useful and innovative or creepy and strange? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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