It seems like a new humanoid robot is introduced every week, but we’ve yet to see one move with the speed and precision of the model just released by Chinese company Astribot. We challenge you not to be amazed by what you are about to see.
In an already crowded market, Astribot stands out for its precision and speed
The space of humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence is starting to become as clogged as the Salerno-Reggio Calabria toll booth on August 1st. Just last month, we saw two impressive firsts: 1X’s laundry-folding bot with OpenAI guidance, and a Figure bot that demonstrated next-generation natural language reasoning. This month, Boston Dynamics made a splash by “retiring” the old hydraulic Atlas and bringing out a totally electric version. And I have cited only the most striking examples.
Today’s video, however, really gives you chills. It showcases the capabilities of an AI-powered bot known as S1, from a relatively unknown Stardust Intelligence subsidiary based in Shenzhen, China.
Only three things you need to consider: It’s fast. It’s precise. And it’s unlike anything we’ve seen so far.
S1, unprecedented speed and precision
According to Astribot, the S1 humanoid can perform movements with a maximum speed of 10 meters per second and handle a payload of 10 kg per arm. The fact that its website shows that an adult male is far from these and other Astribot parameters should not be cause for alarm. That speed, as the video shows, it’s enough to pull a tablecloth from under a stack of wine glasses without them falling to the floor.
But the bot is not only fast, as mentioned: it is also incredibly precise. Doing everything from opening and pouring wine to delicately cutting a cucumber. From flipping a sandwich in a pan, to writing some calligraphy. The video also shows that the robot is very good at imitating human movements, which means it should be a good learner. Check it out.
Unanswered questions, but a promising future
Naturally, the video raises some questions for me. Does the S1 have a bottom half? All the humanoids I’ve seen so far have some means of locomotion, but this one appears to be a fairly stationary bot. I’m also curious about Astribot’s history and support, and the likelihood of the S1 eventually entering production. I’ve reached out to the company for some answers, and we’ll update this article if we find out more.
For now, I can deduce from Astribot’s website that the company was founded in 2022, that the robot took about a year to develop, and that it should be commercially available by the end of the year. Here too, fast times.
A new era of “bot wars”?
Beyond the hype and speculation, one thing is certain: Astribot’s S1 represents a notable step forward in humanoid robot technology. Its speed, precision and dexterity surpass everything I have seen so far, opening up new possibilities for the application of these robots in various sectors, from industry to services.
Of course, there are still many unanswered questions about Astribot and its robot. But if the company can deliver on its promises and bring the S1 to market, it could truly be the beginning of a new era in robotics. An era in which robots will no longer be confined to laboratories or factories, but will become an integral part of our daily lives.
I’ll keep an eye on it and let you know.
