Nvidia Scientist Praises Chinese Humanoid Robot SE01
A Shenzhen-based robotics company, Engine AI, is making waves in the humanoid robotics industry with its latest creation, the SE01 robot. The humanoid robot recently captured global attention after Jim Fan, a senior research scientist at Nvidia and leader of its AI Agents Initiative, praised its lifelike walking gait on social media. Fan’s post raised the question, “Is this real?” sparking curiosity and excitement within the tech community.
SE01 Robot: A Technological Marvel
Engine AI’s SE01 is a humanoid robot designed for both industrial and home use. Announced in October 2023, this cutting-edge machine stands 170 cm tall and is packed with advanced capabilities:
- Movements: The SE01 can mimic human actions such as walking, squatting, performing push-ups, and grabbing objects.
- Durability: The robot is engineered to have a lifespan of over 10 years, demonstrating the company’s commitment to long-term functionality.
- Applications: From industrial tasks to household chores, the SE01 aims to blend seamlessly into real-world scenarios.
Although Engine AI has not disclosed the exact price of SE01, it plans to keep the cost of its full-sized humanoid robots between 150,000 and 200,000 yuan (approximately $20,500 to $27,300). This aligns with the company’s goal of making advanced robotics more accessible without compromising on quality.
Other Innovations by Engine AI
Engine AI, founded in October 2023 by Zhao Tongyang and Yao Qiyuan, has already introduced several notable humanoid robots:
- SA01: An open-source bipedal robot for educational and research purposes, priced at 38,500 yuan ($5,250).
- PM01: A 138 cm tall humanoid robot designed for specialized tasks, priced at 88,000 yuan ($12,000).
The company is also focusing on reducing production costs, targeting below 100,000 yuan ($13,600) per robot to make humanoid robotics more economically viable.
A New Era for Chinese Robotics
Engine AI’s innovations reflect a growing trend among Chinese companies to create humanoid robots capable of addressing real-world challenges. However, financial sustainability remains a significant hurdle in the industry. UBTech Robotics, China’s largest humanoid robot manufacturer, exemplifies these struggles, reporting substantial losses despite its public listing in 2023.
Nevertheless, with backing from investors such as SenseCapital, the venture capital arm of AI powerhouse SenseTime, Engine AI is well-positioned to carve out a niche in this competitive market.
What Sets SE01 Apart
Jim Fan’s acknowledgment highlights the SE01’s naturalistic walking motion as a major leap forward in robotics. This innovation not only captures the imagination of tech enthusiasts but also underlines Engine AI’s potential to redefine how humanoid robots integrate into society.
While challenges like high production costs and fierce competition persist, the SE01 represents a promising step toward a future where humanoid robots become indispensable companions in both industrial and domestic settings.
The journey of Engine AI is a testament to the growing ambition of Chinese tech companies, aiming to combine innovation with affordability to lead the next wave of robotics evolution.
