World’s first electric humanoid robot “Tiangong” goes open source to boost development

12th November 2024 – (Shanghai) On Monday, the world’s first electric running humanoid robot, “Tiangong,” was announced as open source, a significant step aimed at fostering further development in humanoid robotics and enhancing their integration into everyday life.

Developed by the National and Local Co-built Embodied AI Robotics Innovation Center in Beijing, Tiangong claims to be the first full-sized humanoid robot powered entirely by electricity. The initiative is expected to facilitate secondary development in embodied robotics, enabling exploration in advanced areas such as body mechanics and embodied intelligence.

Xiong Youjun, general manager of the centre, noted that the “Tiangong” platform has undergone rigorous testing and validation. With its open-source status, enterprises and research institutions can directly utilise the platform, thereby shortening development cycles and reducing research costs. Liu Yizhang, a manager overseeing the Tiangong project, elaborated that the open-source initiative includes two versions: “Tiangong 1.0 LITE” and “Tiangong Pro,” with software development and structural design documents now accessible to researchers.

By the end of this year, the centre plans to release additional open-source structural blueprints, software architecture, and electrical systems.

Tiangong boasts an average speed of 10 kilometres per hour, with a maximum running speed of 12 kilometres per hour, positioning it as a leader in its class. The robot is capable of navigating various terrains, including slopes, stairs, grass, gravel, and sand.

Academics and industry representatives from institutions such as Peking University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology believe that the open-source project could stimulate growth throughout the humanoid robotics supply chain. Liu explained that while many core components are developed independently, performance standards often vary. The open-source approach will allow for unified development on a common platform.

Since its official launch in April 2024, Tiangong has been deployed in multiple applications, including warehouse operations and patrols at electrical plants. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has identified the humanoid robotics sector as a crucial area for technological competition and economic growth.

Previously, the National Local Joint Humanoid Robot Innovation Center in Shanghai also introduced its open-source general-purpose humanoid robot, Qinglong, which stands 185 cm tall and weighs 80 kg.