The Beijing Institute of Technology, funded by CMST (Chinese Ministry of Science & Technology), have developed at least three versions of the BHR (Beijing Humanoid Robot).  Despite China’s massive population, the researchers hope the humanoid robots will be able to tackle hazardous work environments in the future.  While the first robot (BHR-1) wasn’t highly publicized, its successor BHR-2 (nicknamed Huitong) unveiled in 2005 is 158cm (5’1″) tall, weighs 76kg (167 lbs), and has 32 degrees of freedom.

Huitong is famous for performing the ancient arts of shadow boxing (Taijiquan), and Tai Chi, and in one demonstration it swung a Chinese broad sword.  It can walk approximately 1kmph and can sense changes in ground elevation which it uses to automatically balance itself.  Despite being ready for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, sadly the BHR-2 did not make an appearance.  Since then, BIT has unveiled the BHR-3, nicknamed BeiBei and JingJing.

A few photos of the elusive BHR-1 and a video of BHR-2 are tucked after the break.

• BIT’s BHR-2 news release (EN)
• BIT (official site EN/CH)

Video:

Media:

Image credit:
CNS Photo

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