AgiBot launches Q1, a bagpack-sized mini humanoid robot (scienceclock.com)

Shanghai-based startup AgiBot has unveiled the Q1, a compact humanoid robot standing at just 80 centimeters tall, emphasizing portability and resilience in robotic design. Utilizing innovative Quasi-Direct Drive joints, the Q1 weighs approximately one-eighth that of traditional humanoid robots, allowing it to be conveniently transported in a backpack. This miniaturization greatly mitigates risks associated with physical testing, as its lighter frame makes it more crash-resistant, enabling researchers to explore advanced AI walking and balancing algorithms with reduced fears of catastrophic hardware failure. The significance of the Q1 lies not only in its function as a research tool but also in its potential as an open-ended platform for embodied AI. With open-source hardware and software development kits, users can customize the robot’s appearance and programming without requiring extensive expertise in robotics. This flexibility positions the Q1 to move beyond industrial applications, evolving instead into a personal assistant or companion that can be tailored to individual preferences. As technology like the Q1 becomes more accessible, humanoid robots are set to transform from specialized industrial machines into versatile companions that enhance everyday life.