China startup unveils humanoid robot that can perform continuous backflips
The NOETIX N2 can run at speeds of 7.2 miles per hour, featuring a NVIDIA Jetson and a 18 DOF (degrees of freedom) body.
Scientists from the Beijing-based NOETIX Robotics have developed a new meter-tall humanoid robot that is capable of performing near-perfect continuous backflips. Called the NOETIX N2, this 4.2 foot tall robot features innovative hardware to ensure stability while performing the feat.
According to Jiang Zheyuan, technical leader of the development team, performing a backflip is harder compared to a frontflip as human feet are longer in the front. To enable the robot’s backflip action faultlessly, the team came up with innovative hardware designs to ensure the robot’s stability. For example, the heavy joints of the humanoid’s limbs are placed closer to its crotch to make it easier to rotate in the air.
“This joint is not connected to its thigh, but to its knee by a connecting rod. By moving the joint upward, we minimized the inertia of its legs,” Jiang explained. Powerful rotors and lighter materials are used to build the robot and give it substantial strength.
Wow, that's... Sooner than I expected.