Xiao Wu (robot)

2024: Product Announcement

At the end of September 2024, the Chinese company Tencent introduced a robot called Xiao Wu, which is designed specifically to help the elderly in everyday life. A feature of the machine is a unique design that allows you to walk and move on wheels.

The robot, created by specialists from the Tencent Robotics X Lab division, is equipped with four telescopic foot supports with wheels at the ends. This allows him to ride relatively quickly on flat surfaces and walk in difficult conditions, in particular, to overcome stairways. To increase stability when walking, retractable feet are provided that perform the functions of a stop. Thanks to the sliding design, the legs can vary in length, as a result of which the height of Xiao Wu is adjusted in the range from 1.4 to 1.8 meters. Moreover, the adjustment of each leg is carried out independently of the others - this makes it possible to maintain the most stable position in any conditions.

Aibase.com

Thanks to humanoid hands with five fingers and a set of sensors, the robot can perform an extensive set of actions. Xiao Wu is able to "feel" objects with its "tactile" skin. The machine can perform complex tasks in a real environment, interacting with people.

Xiao Wu's intelligent control system uses a high-frequency, low-latency global positioning and mapping system, all kinds of sensors, cameras and lidar. This system allows the robot to accurately determine its location in difficult conditions, and also helps it avoid dynamic and static obstacles in real time, achieving safe and effective autonomous movement. AI algorithms give the robot the ability to understand and predict human needs.^[1]

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