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Dual-wheel balance bot flaunts supreme agility, easily clears hurdles


China's LimX Dynamics launched a versatile bipedal robot last year with modular foot ends to walk or roll around as needed. Now the company has demonstrated its agility chops by having the squat bot hop over low fencing, climb stairs and clear obstacles with aplomb.

Where that self-balancing bot padded on rubber-ended feet, the ends of the jointed limbs of this latest build can sport pivot shoes or motorized wheels as well. Though the Tron 1 can be operated via a wireless remote, programmed for semi-automated tasks or let loose for autonomous missions, it's not clear which modes were employed for the demo – likely a bit of a mixed bag. The 48-V actuators boast a peak torque of 80 Nm (59 lb.ft), and the 240-Wh "Ternary Lithium" battery can be hot-swapped for continuous operation potential, with each unit estimated good for around 2 hours of use per charge.

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