PUDU Robotics debuts multi-form robot lineup with shared AI strategy

A unified AI strategy

PUDU Robotics recently held its European Partner Summit in Amsterdam to showcase its full range of six robot product lines. During the event, the Shenzhen-based company introduced a new overarching strategy called "One Brain, Multiple Embodiments." This approach means the company intends to use the same artificial intelligence technology across every one of its different robot forms.

Founder and CEO Felix Zhang explained that the goal of this strategy is to make robots smarter and more accessible. By building a shared technological foundation, the company hopes to make it easier and cheaper for various industries to adopt robotics. The strategy covers a wide spectrum of designs, ranging from specialized service machines to more complex humanoid models.

This move signals a shift toward a more scalable way of developing robotics. Instead of building unique software for every different type of machine, PUDU is creating a central intelligence that can be adapted to different bodies. This could potentially speed up the development of new products and allow for more consistent performance across the entire fleet.

The semi-humanoid D7

One of the primary highlights of the summit was the PUDU D7, a semi-humanoid robot that utilizes wheels for mobility and human-like arms for manipulation. The robot stands 5.4 feet tall and weighs approximately 99 lbs. It was designed to handle tasks in workplaces such as offices, factories, and warehouses, including sorting items and transporting objects.

The D7 is built for endurance, capable of operating for more than eight hours on a battery that exceeds one kilowatt-hour. It features 30 degrees of freedom, which can increase to 50 when equipped with a dexterous hand attachment. The machine can carry weight up to 22 lbs, and its wheel configuration enables it to travel in any direction, including navigating through elevators.

The robot is intended to perform tasks that require a mix of mobility and manual dexterity. Because it can move in any direction and interact with objects similarly to a human, it is well-suited for complex environments. The D7 represents a middle ground between specialized machines and fully humanoid robots, aiming for practical utility in industrial settings.

Nvidia-powered robot dogs

PUDU also showcased the D5 and D5-W quadruped robots, which are often referred to as robot dogs. These machines utilize an RK3588 chip along with an Nvidia Jetson Orin AGX processor to manage complex navigation. They use two LiDAR sensors and four fisheye cameras to identify obstacles and navigate through their surroundings.

These robots are designed for rugged environments, as they can climb slopes of up to 45 degrees. They are also capable of carrying loads between 44 and 66 lbs while walking. The high computing performance of the Nvidia hardware allows these robots to process a significant amount of data quickly to maintain balance and awareness.

By combining high-performance computing with a quadruped form, PUDU is targeting applications that require mobility over uneven terrain. These robots can be deployed in areas where wheels might struggle, providing a versatile option for delivery or inspection tasks in diverse environments.

Diverse commercial applications

The company's lineup extends beyond heavy-duty and humanoid designs to include specialized service robots. The BellaBot Pro is a cat-like delivery robot designed for restaurants and commercial spaces. It features an interactive screen that displays playful facial expressions while it delivers food and interacts with customers.

For industrial and home use, PUDU presented several other machines. The CC1 PRO is designed for floor maintenance, capable of sweeping, scrubbing, vacuuming, and mopping. For heavy industrial work, the MP2000 is an autonomous robot that can insert its forks into pallets weighing up to 4,409 lbs in just 20 seconds.

PUDU is also making its first move into the consumer market with the TOMO S series. These robots are designed for home lawn care, marking a transition from purely commercial and industrial applications to household products. This expansion shows the company's ambition to place robotics in almost every aspect of daily life.

Expansion into Europe

The European Partner Summit served as a platform for PUDU to signal its growth ambitions in the Western market. Bella Sun, the company's VP and GM for Europe, noted that customers across the continent are becoming increasingly open to adopting robotics technology. The company views Europe as a key market for its new shared AI strategy.

While the company is expanding globally, it is also navigating new regulatory landscapes. Felix Zhang addressed recent FCC regulations in the United States, noting that these rules only apply to new products. This means that PUDU's existing products can still be sold in the U.S. market as they continue to grow.

The company's stated goal is to support human workers rather than replace them. By focusing on robots that can handle repetitive or difficult tasks, PUDU aims to make its technology useful in as many places as possible. The launch of these products marks a significant step in their goal to make robots a standard part of the global workforce.