China Unveils Robot Dog that Looks Very Similar to a Boston Dynamics’ Design
By Carl Samson
Researchers at China’s Zhejiang University have developed a robot dog capable of moving and reacting to certain stimuli.
Aside from running on all fours, “Jueying,” the name of the canine robot, can climb stairs, avoid obstructions and carry up to 20 kilograms (44.09 pounds) of weight.
Jueying measures one meter (39.37 inches) long, weighs 70 kilograms (154.32 pounds) and stands 60 centimeters (23.62 inches).
On a full charge, the cybernetic mutt can work for about two hours. It can run a distance of 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) per hour at top speed.
While the robot’s abilities are impressive for a newcomer, observers pointed out its striking similarities to Spot, the robot dog from Boston Dynamics.
Spot weighs 75 kilograms (165 pounds) and stands 94 centimeters (37 inches). It can carry up to 23 kilograms (50.71 pounds) of weight and operate for 45 minutes on full charge.
A mini version called SpotMini is expected to hit U.S. stores July 2019.
Interestingly, SpotMini, which will be shorter and significantly lighter than its predecessor, is the company’s “quietest robot” yet. It can work for 90 minutes on full charge.
“The SpotMini robot is one that was motivated by thinking about what could go in an office — in a space more accessible for business applications — and then, the home eventually,” Boston Dynamics Founder Marc Raibert said at a TechCrunch event earlier this year.
With Jueying’s revelation, an overwhelming number of netizens alleged that China copied Spot.
It’s unclear whether the new robot will ever be reproduced for commercial purposes.
What do you think?
Featured Images via YouTube / New China TV
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