Fourier Intelligence’s GR-1 Humanoid Robot Redefines Bipedal Robotics
Fourier Intelligence, a Shanghai-based start-up, recently stole the show at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai with the unveiling of its humanoid robot GR-1. The GR-1, a lanky, jet-black robot capable of walking on two legs at a speed of 5km an hour while carrying a 50kg load, highlighted the potential of bipedal robots, which have gained attention from global companies like Tesla and Xiaomi.
Founded in 2015, Fourier Intelligence initially focused on developing rehabilitation robotics. However, inspired by a long-held dream, founder and CEO Alex Gu decided to venture into humanoid robots in 2019. While few companies had successfully launched humanoid robots due to the high technological barrier and development costs, Gu believed that his company could make significant progress in the field.
The GR-1 was developed by a team of engineers in a small laboratory at Fourier’s headquarters. After three years of intensive work, the team achieved a major breakthrough in 2022 when the 1.65-meter tall robot successfully stood up and walked on both legs. The accomplishment was a significant milestone for Fourier, and it showcased the robot’s capabilities in a video that drew both compliments and skepticism.
Despite the technical challenges and commercialization difficulties associated with humanoid robots, Gu and his team remained optimistic about the future. They believed that advancements in large language models (LLMs), the software that powers AI chatbots like ChatGPT, could revolutionize humanoid robots by enabling them to possess logical reasoning abilities and become more human-like.
While Fourier focuses on developing the hardware for its humanoid robots, they aim to collaborate with AI companies specializing in LLMs for the brain aspect of the robots. The GR-1 has already been delivered to select universities and AI companies for research and development, with plans for mass production and thousands of units to be delivered in 2024.
Gu envisions the potential of Fourier’s humanoid robots in various scenarios such as elderly care, education, and guest reception. He anticipates that the humanoid robots will generate more revenue than Fourier’s rehabilitation robots in the next three to five years. However, Gu emphasizes that mass adoption of humanoid robots in everyday life will take time and cautions against expecting immediate miracles.
While companies like Fourier Intelligence, Xiaomi, and Tesla are making advancements in the field of humanoid robotics, widespread integration of these robots into society is still a while away. Though challenges in technology and cost remain, these companies continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, optimistic about the life-changing impact humanoid robots can have in the future.
