Chinese firm Unitree’s quadruped robots are clearly influenced by the SpotMini bot, which could be outfitted with a fairly creepy-looking manipulator arm. Not to be outdone, Unitree has now introduced an arm of its personal, which can permit its robots to carry out quite a lot of new duties.
Known because the Z1, the arm is presently in functioning prototype kind, and may reportedly be accessible quickly.
It will get mounted on the highest entrance finish of a Unitree Aliengo or B1 robotic – or on “different cell robots” – and works with interchangeable actuator instruments corresponding to a two-fingered pincer, a three-fingered comfortable grasper, or a dual-suction-cup attachment. These permit it to do issues like choosing up objects, opening doorways, and putting in or eradicating screws.
Unitree
The Z1 will truly be accessible in two fashions, the Air and the Pro. Both function six levels of freedom, collision detection performance, Ubuntu working system compatibility, and the power to be taught duties by being bodily guided by way of the required actions.
The Air is the lighter of the 2, tipping the scales at 4.1 kg (9 lb) versus the Pro’s 4.3 kg (9.5 lb). It’s additionally somewhat weaker, although, with a most lifting capability of two kg (4.4 lb) as a substitute of the Pro’s 5 kg (11 lb).
There’s presently no phrase on precisely when the Z1 will probably be accessible, or at what worth. In the meantime, you’ll be able to see it in motion within the following video.
Unitree Z1: 6-axis harmonic drive management dexterous robotic arm
Source: Unitree