Fourier Introduces GR-2: The New Humanoid Robot With Enhanced Capabilities | Festina Lente - Your leading source of AI news | Turtles AI

Fourier Introduces GR-2: The New Humanoid Robot With Enhanced Capabilities
The GR-2 introduces improvements in mobility, manipulation and autonomy, offering an advanced platform for the development of robotic applications
Isabella V2 October 2024

 

Fourier launches the GR-2 humanoid robot, improving hardware, design and software over the GR-1. With increased movement capability, replaceable battery and an advanced actuator system, the GR-2 optimizes precision and versatility, supporting developers with an enhanced software platform.

Key Points:

  • GR-2 offers increased movement and manipulation with 53 degrees of freedom and 12 degrees of hand movement. 
  • The new detachable battery doubles the battery life and allows for quick battery changes. 
  • The FSA 2.0 system improves mobility with seven intelligent actuators with peak torques up to 380 Nm.
  • The optimized software platform supports programming languages ​​and frameworks to simplify development.

Shanghai-based Fourier has unveiled its new GR-2 humanoid robot, the successor to the GR-1. The GR-2 introduces significant improvements in hardware, design and software, aiming to make humanoid robots increasingly effective in interacting with the physical world and accessible to developers and researchers. At 175 cm tall and weighing 63 kg, the GR-2 is slightly larger than its predecessor, but offers greater mobility with 53 degrees of freedom and a single-arm lifting capacity of 3 kg. The detachable battery with double the capacity of the previous model allows for up to two hours of battery life and makes the device easy to operate even during prolonged use. Among the most notable innovations is also an integrated wiring harness for power and communication, which reduces cable clutter and facilitates maintenance operations, thanks to a new serial rather than parallel joint configuration. The GR-2’s hands, equipped with 12 degrees of freedom and six tactile sensors, ensure precise and flexible manipulation of objects, while the inclusion of force sensors allows the robot to recognize shapes and materials, optimizing task management. The robot is also compatible with different upper limb teaching modes, including remote control via virtual reality, lead-through programming and direct command. This allows the collection of useful data to improve the transition from simulation to practical application. In terms of movement, the FSA 2.0 system, based on seven specifically designed intelligent actuators, gives the GR-2 remarkable agility and precision, with peak torques exceeding 380 Nm. The integration of a dual encoder ensures precise control, even in complex environments. Fourier has also improved the GR-2’s software platform, introducing a new SDK compatible with programming languages ​​such as ROS and frameworks such as NVIDIA Isaac Lab and Mujoco. This allows developers to focus on computer vision, path planning and force feedback control tasks, simplifying processes thanks to access to pre-optimized modules.

With the GR-2, Fourier marks a further step forward in the evolution of humanoid robotics, aiming for an increasingly broad and versatile use.

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