Deep Robotics’ DR02 Humanoid Now Runs Stairs and Carries Firefighting Gear After Latest Upgrades

Deep Robotics just released a video showcasing the enhanced skills of their DR02 humanoid in public. The machine is seen darting across an uneven field of grass, leaping over minor obstructions, bounding up massive concrete steps with little loss of steam, and even standing upright while carrying a fire extinguisher behind it.

The DR02 was created from the ground up by the company’s engineers to be a durable piece of equipment, and it shows. It’s a behemoth, standing 175 centimeters (5′ 7″) tall and weighing 65 kilos (143 pounds). One of the most notable aspects of this design is its IP66 waterproofing, which means it can endure dust and water. So, if you need a robot that can operate in situations that would send a human running for cover, this one has you covered. It can readily withstand rain, humidity, and dusty conditions that would be inconvenient for even the toughest humans, and to give you an idea of how durable it is, the DR02 can function in temperatures ranging from -20 to +55 degrees Celsius.

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The DR02 walks at a constant 1.5 meters per second (3.4 miles per hour), but it can quickly accelerate to 4 meters per second (8.9 miles per hour) for a short sprint. The robot can also navigate steep slopes of up to 20 degrees and operate well on uneven terrain. When it comes to lifting, each arm can manage 10 kilograms (22 pounds), which is very respectable, especially when you see it smoothly carrying a decent-sized mounted fire extinguisher.

The DR02 is powered by a small 275 TOPS computer on board that can read data from a LiDAR sensor, depth sensors, and a variety of wide-angle cameras. This enables it to develop real-time maps of its surroundings and change leg placement on the fly, whether it’s switching from grass to concrete or avoiding an unexpected impediment. The machine also features Deep Robotics’ J60, J80, and J100 joints, all of which are totally custom-built to provide a ton of torque and precision while keeping balanced even while carrying a load or scrambling over rough terrain.

One of the DR02’s most appealing features is its modularity, as the arms, legs, and forearms are all simply removable, allowing you to rapidly replace them if a problem arises. There is no need to transport the entire system back to the workshop for repairs; field personnel can do the job on the spot, and as a result, Deep Robotics is eyeing DR02 for real-world applications, including checking high-voltage lines, responding to emergencies, hauling gear in difficult terrain, and mapping out security patrol routes.

Even while it is still a prototype, and a very costly one at $200,000, it’s clear where this thing is going; with each tweak, it progresses from a lab toy to a legitimate tool you can use to get serious work done in places where you wouldn’t want to send a human. We still need to hear back from Deep Robotics on a few critical issues, such as how long the battery will survive and how customizable the design is.
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