At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2024 in Shanghai, Humanoid Robots unveiled Qinglong, a state-of-the-art general-purpose humanoid robot standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. Demonstrating remarkable dexterity with human-like hands, Qinglong showcased its ability to handle delicate tasks such as picking up soft objects like bread without causing damage, and effortlessly manipulating cups and other items.
Developed by a Shanghai-based research lab, Qinglong integrates advanced AI software that adjusts grasping force based on object characteristics—a critical feature for flexible applications in humanoid robotics, according to Xing Boyang, the lab's R&D systems director.
Weighing 176 pounds, Qinglong boasts a bionic torso enabling agile movements and precise anthropomorphic control with up to 43 active degrees of freedom, facilitating a wide range of motions. The robot’s capabilities include both athletic maneuvers and off-road performance, underscoring its versatility.
Following its debut, Humanoid Robots plans annual releases of new humanoid models named after Chinese zodiac animals, with Qinglong symbolizing the green or azure dragon. By 2027, the lab aims to deploy 1,000 humanoid robots simultaneously for various real-world applications.
In support of robotics innovation, the researchers launched the OpenLoong platform—an open-source community providing access to Qinglong’s hardware structure and parameters. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and accelerate advancements in humanoid robot technology, laying the groundwork for widespread adoption of embodied intelligence.
Yang Zhengye, Humanoid Robot’s marketing director, emphasized the platform’s role in consolidating resources and reducing redundancy in the humanoid robot sector, facilitating faster technology iterations and broader applications.
As China continues to lead in humanoid robot development, with initiatives like the National Local Joint Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, Qinglong represents a significant stride towards integrating advanced AI and robotics into everyday tasks, paving the way for future innovations in the field.
