Fourier Intelligence, a Shanghai-based start-up, has announced its plans to commence mass production of its humanoid robot GR-1 by the end of 2023. The company aims to deliver thousands of units in the following year. During the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Fourier Intelligence unveiled the GR-1, a lanky, jet-black bipedal robot that can walk at a speed of 5km per hour while carrying a 50kg load. The introduction of GR-1 has captured the attention of the global technology community, emphasizing the potential of bipedal robots in various industries.
Fourier Intelligence, originally established in 2015, initially focused on developing rehabilitation robotics. Their current product range includes a wireless robotic glove, a smart exercise bike, and computer-guided devices that assist users in regaining movement in their limbs. However, the company’s founder, Alex Gu, who has always envisioned creating a humanoid robot, decided to venture into this area in 2019. With their expertise in rehabilitation robotics, Fourier Intelligence believed that they could overcome the high technological barriers and development costs associated with humanoid robots.
GR-1 was developed over three years of intensive research and testing at Fourier’s headquarters in Shanghai. The team achieved a major breakthrough in 2022 when they successfully made the 1.65-meter tall humanoid robot stand up and walk. This accomplishment was celebrated by the engineers as a significant milestone. Fourier Intelligence released an online video showcasing the walking capabilities of GR-1, receiving both admiration and skepticism from viewers. While some questioned the authenticity of the video, Gu remains optimistic about the potential of humanoid robots and their ability to become valuable companions for humans.
Although the commercialization of humanoid robots still presents significant challenges, companies worldwide are actively pursuing their development. Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi unveiled their humanoid robot CyberOne in 2022, capable of walking but with limited functionality. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, also revealed a prototype of their highly anticipated Optimus robot, which demonstrated walking, dancing, and completing simple tasks. Gu shares Musk’s vision that humanoid robots can serve as helpers in performing repetitive or dangerous tasks while providing emotional value to humans.
To enhance the cognitive abilities of humanoid robots, Gu believes that large language models (LLMs) will be a game-changer. These models, which power AI chatbots like ChatGPT, offer logical reasoning capabilities that bring robots closer to human-like intelligence. While Fourier Intelligence is primarily focused on developing the hardware for the robots, they are open to collaborating with major AI companies to enhance the brain of their humanoid robots.
GR-1 has already been supplied in small quantities to universities and AI companies for research and development purposes. Fourier Intelligence intends to initiate mass production by the end of this year, anticipating the delivery of thousands of units in 2024. Gu expects that humanoid robots, especially in applications like elderly care, education, and guest reception, will generate more revenue for the company than their existing rehabilitation robots in the next three to five years.
Despite the progress made, Gu emphasizes that it will take time before humanoid robots become part of our day-to-day lives. He encourages patience by drawing a parallel to Tesla’s robotic development timeline. However, Gu remains optimistic about the possibility that humanoid robots may eventually find a place in people’s homes within the next five to ten years. As the industry continues to evolve, the potential for humanoid robots to revolutionize various sectors remains a source of excitement and anticipation.
