Tencent Unveils Xiao Wu: A Wheel-Legged Robot Designed for Elderly Careand Self-Storage
Shenzhen, China – Tencent’s Robotics Xlab has unveiled its latest innovation: Xiao Wu, a wheel-legged robot designed to navigate complex environments and assist with everyday tasks, particularly for the elderly.
Xiao Wu, which translates to Little Five, embodies the culmination of research from previous robot generations. It boasts the ability to walk, carry objects, handle complex tasks,and interact with humans in real-world home settings.
A Unique Blend of Wheel and Leg Technology
The robot’s most notable feature is its innovative wheel + leg + foot design. This hybrid approach combines theobstacle-crossing capabilities of legged robots with the efficiency of wheeled robots, allowing Xiao Wu to traverse both flat surfaces and uneven terrain with ease.
Xiao Wu can switch between four-wheel and two-wheel modes depending on the ground conditions.In four-wheel mode, it can adjust its support space by utilizing its cross-legged design, accommodating varying load requirements and environmental constraints.
For uneven terrain, Xiao Wu employs its retractable linear legs with active force control, creating a spring suspension effect that ensures a stable upper body. In scenarios like stairs and curbs, Xiao Wuseamlessly transitions to a wheel-leg combination to overcome obstacles.
Beyond Mobility: Enhanced Load Capacity and Advanced Control
The unique leg design also contributes to Xiao Wu’s increased load capacity. Each linear leg can be individually extended and retracted, allowing the robot to adjust its support height based on the workspace requirements, enablingit to retrieve objects from high shelves.
Software-wise, Xiao Wu features an internal control framework that enables it to perceive its environment, plan actions, and execute them efficiently.
A Vision for Elderly Care and Beyond
In a demonstration at the Tencent Robotics X lab, Xiao Wu was showcased assistingan elderly person in a nursing home setting. The robot gently lifted the individual from bed to a wheelchair and then pushed the wheelchair to an activity area, navigating obstacles along the way.
Xiao Wu’s capabilities extend beyond elderly care. Its versatility and advanced features make it suitable for a wide range of applications, includinghome assistance, logistics, and even disaster relief.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Intelligent Assistance
Tencent’s development of Xiao Wu represents a significant step forward in the field of robotics. The robot’s innovative design and advanced capabilities demonstrate the potential for intelligent machines to play a vital role in assisting humans witheveryday tasks, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly.
As robotics technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more sophisticated and adaptable robots like Xiao Wu emerging, transforming the way we live, work, and interact with our environment.
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