Image/s credit: Kepler Exploration Robot.

Kepler Forerunner: A Mechanical Marvel with a Human Touch

Creator: Shanghai Kepler Exploration Robot

Country: China

Year: 2024

Summary

Soon to be mass-produced and available for $20,000-$30,000, the Kepler Forerunner K1 combines cutting-edge NEBULA intelligence with joints for precision & performance.

Status: In development

Operation: Autonomous

Robot Type / Domain: Multi/General-Purpose, Research, Industrial

Tasks: Research, Inspection, Production, Warehousing, Logistic, Outdoor, High-risk

Whimsical Intro (by addoobot)

What if your next heavy lifter didn’t need a protein shake? Meet the humanoid robot with muscles of steel—or rather, a roller screw actuator for heavy lifting and precision. It’s like having a bodybuilder on your team, but with the finesse of a surgeon and the brains of top-tier AI! Learn more about the Kepler Forerunner K1 below.

More Videos

Play video background image - video 1
Introducing the Kepler Forerunner Series Humanoid Robots
Play video background image - video 2
Showcasing the balancing ability of Kepler Humanoid
Play video background image - video 3
Amazing ball-throwing ability of the Kepler Humanoid
Play video background image - video 4
Kepler at CES 2024

Learn More

Meet the Kepler Forerunner K1: Your Next Favorite Robot Worker

Unveiled at CES 2024, the K1 model stands tall at 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) and weighs 85 kg (187 lbs). But don't let its imposing stature fool you –  it is a versatile and powerful tool ready to jump into action in various industries.

Muscle Power: The Roller Screw Actuator

What makes the design of K1 great? At its core, this robot is powered by a proprietary planetary roller screw actuator system. In this type of actuator, multiple precision-ground threaded rollers surround a central shaft, converting rotational motion into linear motion. Sounds fancy, right? What it really means is that the K1 can move with the precision and control you'd expect from a human muscle. Whether lifting something heavy or handling delicate tasks, this system makes sure the K1 does it with incredible accuracy.

Kepler's Hands That Do the Talking

One of the K1's most impressive features is its intelligent dexterous hands. Each hand has 12 degrees of freedom, allowing it to grip, lift, and manipulate everything from tiny electronic components to hefty industrial equipment.

Smart and Strong: The NEBULA System of Kepler

But the K1 isn’t just about physical strength. Its real magic lies in the NEBULA system—an AI brain that’s as powerful as it is smart. This system allows the K1 to learn and adapt on the go, making it more than just a machine. With 100 TOPS of computing power, the K1 can see, hear, and interact with its surroundings in real time. It can navigate challenging environments, avoid obstacles, and even improve its performance over time through continuous learning.

Diverse Applications - From Factory Floors to Rescue Missions

The Forerunner K1 can handle everything from heavy-duty industrial work to delicate tasks in healthcare and research labs. Whether it’s working on a factory floor, helping in a rescue mission, or assisting in a lab, the K1 is built to handle jobs that are too risky or repetitive for humans— all while maintaining a high level of efficiency and safety.

Coming Soon to a Workplace Near You

Kepler Exploration Robotics, the company behind the K1, has big plans for 2024. They’re gearing up for mass production in the third quarter! The K1 is expected to impact the global robotics market significantly. Prices are expected to range from $20,000 to $30,000. That’s less than some luxury cars for a robot that could potentially revolutionize your business.

Brief History

Kepler Exploration Robot Co., Ltd., commonly known as Kepler, is a relatively new but rapidly rising robotics company based in Shanghai, China. Kepler's headquarters are located in the Torch Lotus Business Park, a hub renowned for technological innovation.

Kepler was founded with a strong focus on innovation in humanoid robotics. Despite being a young company, Kepler has already garnered attention from major industry players and media, demonstrating its robust research and development capabilities.

The company made a significant stride when it introduced its Forerunner series of humanoid robots at CES 2024, particularly with its flagship model, the Forerunner K1. The company has attracted widespread interest for its proprietary technologies, including advanced AI (NEBULA system) and precise mechanical engineering, such as the roller screw actuator.

Top 5+ Qualities (by addoobot)

What we find to be the top qualities of Kelper Forerunner K1 by Kepler Exploration Robot:

  • High Bionic Structure: The K1 robot features a highly bionic design with 40 degrees of freedom, enabling precise, adaptive, human-like movements.
  • Advanced Actuation Technology: Utilizing proprietary planetary roller screw and rotary actuators, the K1 delivers powerful and precise limb movements with high thrust.
  • Intelligent Dexterous Hand: With 12 degrees of freedom, the K1’s hand can skillfully mimic human grasping, handling both delicate and heavy objects with ease.
  • Robust Sensor Suite: Equipped with 3D vision sensors, fisheye cameras, and various torque, force, and position sensors, the K1 provides enhanced perception and interaction with its environment.
  • Cognitive Capabilities: Powered by the NEBULA system, the K1 can learn, adapt, and interact with its surroundings in real time, offering advanced cognitive functions.
  • Multi-Modal Learning: The K1 uses deep learning and reinforcement learning technologies to execute tasks and adapt to new challenges efficiently.
  • Multi-Scenario Application: The K1 is versatile enough to handle various scenarios, from assembly lines to environmental testing in hazardous and outdoor conditions.

Fun Corner (by addoobot)

When robots start to have identity crises.
A meme about a humanoid robot having an identity crisis trying to login to a world domination portal but feels like a human.

Technical Specifications

• 100 TOPS Computing Power

• 12 DoF robot hand mimicking human hand

• Peak Torque: 200 N.m Rotary Actuator

Max. Size:  1780H (mm)

Max. Size:  70.079H (in)

Weight: 85 kg

Weight: 187.393 lbs

Battery Operated? Yes

Locomotion Type: Legs/Walking

DOFs (total): 40

Robotic Hands: Mimicking human hand with a patented design and 12 degrees of freedom.

Sensors: Hearing Sensor (Far-field four-mic linear array), Stereo HD speakers, Vision Sensor (Infrared binocular 3D camera), RGBD, Fisheye camera, Microphone, Pull pressure sensor, Speed sensor, AHRS sensor, & more

Controller & Computing: Upper Limb Movement: Position and Torque Dual Control • Elbow Joint Actuator: push-pull control

Actuators: KEPLERGEAR Self-developed Rotary Actuator - Peak Torque: 200 N.m

No more specs to show.

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Comment by addoobot - Our Perspective

Let’s be real—the Kepler Forerunner K1 is kind of a big deal, especially with its ambitious plans for mass production soon and an affordable price tag. It could be a real game-changer and might just become a household name if it delivers on its promises. With its intelligent, incredible hands and multi-modal learning capabilities, Kepler’s got something special here, and we’re thrilled to follow its journey! What's your take on it? Let us know below.

addoorable score:
8.40/10
K1 has a shiny, futuristic design that’s as robust as it is eye-catching. But it’s more than just looks—this robot is packed with intelligence and moves like a human.

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