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Fourier Intelligence has been manufacturing exoskeletons and rehabilitation units since 2017. The Singapore-based firm launched its first era of humanoid robots this 12 months, designated the GR-1.
The humanoid platform contains 40 levels of freedom distributed all through its physique, which measures 1.65 m (5 ft., 5 in.) in top and weighs 55 kg (121.2 lb.). The joint module that’s fitted on the hip of the robotic is able to producing a peak torque of 300 Nm, which permits it to stroll at a pace of 5 kph (3.1 mph) and carry items that weigh 50 kg (110.2 lb.).
Making the leap from exoskeleton growth to humanoid design is a logical development, because the humanoid platform shares most of the mechanical and electrical design components that Fourier developed for its core product line. Actuation is a core competency of the corporate, and by designing and constructing actuators, it claimed that it could optimize the price/efficiency of the system.
![the Fourier Intelligence exomotus exoskeleton.](https://www.therobotreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/fourier-intelligence-exoskeleton.jpg)
The Exomotus exoskeleton is designed to assist sufferers with spinal accidents be taught to stroll once more. | Credit score: Fourier Intelligence
With the launch of GR-1, Fourier additionally unveiled the Fourier Good Actuator (FSA), an all-in-one actuator collection. Not solely is the actuator unit high-performance, however it’s also cost-effective, which the corporate mentioned is vital to its design objectives and market value for the GR-1.
Fourier developed the Exoskeleton Robotic Open Platform (EXOPS) with Nationwide Devices (NI) and the College of Melbourne. EXOPS is meant to be a growth platform for colleges, analysis and growth establishments, and medical facilities.
Fourier is exploring methods to deploy this system to make use of circumstances corresponding to catastrophe reduction and response, senior care, and family service. It contains a big multimodal language mannequin akin to that which helps ChatGPT. This allows the robotic to program itself to execute duties, it asserted.
GR-1 additionally options an “built-in emotion AI module,” a high-resolution oval show, and round microphone array for its voice-recognition system. These options make human-machine interactions extra pure, Fourier instructed The Robotic Report.
Fourier prepared to start out manufacturing
The corporate just lately introduced that it is able to launch the manufacturing model of the GR-1. The robotic is provided with depth cameras in its head and torso.
As well as, the GR-1 is provided with visible algorithms to understand its speedy environment. This permits the robotic to quickly acknowledge completely different objects and folks, in addition to notice capabilities together with impediment avoidance and visible job steerage.
![Fourier Intelligence GR-1 humanoid robot interacting with a human in the lab.](https://www.therobotreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/fourier-intelligence-robot1.jpg)
The GR-1 humanoid robotic is designed to function inside a human-centric world. | Credit score: Fourier Intelligence
The GR-1’s robotic fingers have 11 levels of freedom that permit it to securely grasp objects, mentioned Fourier. The person can direct the robotic to retrieve objects.
The fingers imitate the vary of movement in human fingers when grabbing cylindrical and spherical objects, corresponding to bottled water and electrical screwdrivers. GR-1 autonomously calculates the movement paths for greedy utilizing visible suggestions.
As well as, Fourier mentioned it has engineered the robotic to securely grasp objects of various dimensions and configurations by adjusting its gripping drive, enabling it to softly deal with any merchandise.
The system additionally works with fleet administration software program, so customers can coordinate a number of GR-1 items from a central level. It will embody mission assignments, job assignments, and the monitoring of fleet operations.
The GR-1 additionally has a teleoperation mode to be used with an augmented actuality headset and 5G applied sciences.
![Human engineering pushes the GR-1 with a stick to test its balance.](https://www.therobotreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/fourier-intelligence-robot2.jpg)
Fourier Intelligence designed the GR-1 humanoid robotic to react to the world round it. | Credit score: Fourier Intelligence
Market alternatives open for GR-1
Fourier mentioned it expects to promote the GR-1 for functions corresponding to analysis and training, concierge and guiding, leisure and exhibition, industrial manufacturing and logistics, healthcare and rehabilitation, security inspection, family service, and companionship. The corporate already has a gross sales group and companion channel established for its rehabilitation choices.
No value has but been introduced for the manufacturing unit.
Humanoid robots acquired loads of consideration this previous 12 months, as builders together with Apptronik, Boston Dynamics, Determine AI, Sanctuary AI, Tesla, and Unitree demonstrated progress with dexterous manipulation and bipedal locomotion. Most are initially meant for functions in logistics and manufacturing, and Agility Robotics is in business trials with Amazon and GXO Logistics.
The worldwide marketplace for humanoid robots may expertise a compound annual development fee (CAGR) of 46.5%, from $1.7 billion in 2023 to $36.1 billion by 2030, projected MarketDigits. It famous demand in healthcare and search-and-rescue use circumstances.
Technavio was much more bullish, estimating a rise of $16.05 billion from 2022 to 2027 at a CAGR of 53.45%. The analysis agency famous the potential flexibility of humanoids in industrial settings and mentioned that North America may account for 35% of worldwide market development.