Quadruped Robot RAIBO2 Makes History: Completes First Official Marathon in South Korea
Staff Editor Robot Dog Completes Full Marathon in South Korea, Setting New Milestone
In a groundbreaking achievement, a quadrupedal robot named RAIBO2 has completed a full marathon in South Korea, marking the first time a four-legged robot has finished an official marathon competition. Developed by the South Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), RAIBO2 crossed the finish line in four hours, 19 minutes, and 52 seconds, showcasing the potential for robotic endurance and speed.
The 22nd Sangju Dried Persimmon Marathon, known for its challenging hills, provided a rigorous testing ground for RAIBO2. The course featured two significant elevation climbs of approximately 50 yards each, presenting unique challenges for the robotic competitor. To overcome these obstacles, KAIST engineers equipped RAIBO2 with a “high torque transparency joint mechanism,” allowing it to harvest energy on downhill slopes to compensate for uphill energy loss.
While RAIBO2’s time was considerably longer than the human winner’s two hours, 36 minutes, and 32 seconds, the robot’s completion of the full marathon demonstrates remarkable progress in robotic endurance and adaptability. The achievement highlights the potential for future improvements in robotic capabilities and their applications in various fields.
RAIBO2 faces competition from other robotic runners, including the bipedal robot “Tiangong” from China, which recently participated as a pace-setter in a half-marathon. However, RAIBO2’s successful completion of a full marathon sets it apart in the field of quadrupedal robotics.
Looking ahead, KAIST researchers plan to enhance RAIBO2’s capabilities for urban and challenging environments. Future developments include the addition of autonomous navigation, to achieve superior walking performance in varied and difficult terrains.
The success of RAIBO2 opens up possibilities for applications in delivery and patrol services. As KAIST continues to refine the robot’s design and capabilities, future research will focus on improving its autonomous capabilities and adaptability, potentially revolutionizing the field of robotics and its real-world applications.
