A Chinese robot runs as fast as Usain Bolt.
Unitree Robotics has announced that its humanoid robot H1 has reached a running speed of 10 m/s, equivalent to 36 km/h. This performance is nearly equivalent to the average speed of the legendary athlete Usain Bolt when he set the world record, surprising the technology world with its remarkable progress. In just 17 months, H1 has increased its speed by over 200%, moving from a jogging speed to a level close to that of an Olympic athlete.
It is worth noting that the improvement did not come from the hardware, but mainly from the software and control algorithms. Weighing 62 kg and with a humanoid structure, H1 has demonstrated acceleration capabilities exceeding expectations. Meanwhile, competitors like MirrorMe Tech have also claimed similar performance, fueling fierce competition in the robotics sector.
However, speed does not necessarily translate to practicality. Robots still need to solve issues of autonomy, mobility on complex terrains, and the ability to perform concrete tasks. Unitree plans to launch the R1 version, priced at around $4,000, thus paving the way for better integration of robots into everyday life.
A solar-powered balloon flies for 12 consecutive days.
Sceye has successfully tested the solar balloon SE2, which flew continuously for 12 days at an altitude of over 15,850 meters. This journey, covering approximately 10,300 km from New Mexico to the Brazilian coast, marks a significant milestone in the commercialization of stratospheric flight platforms.
The SE2 balloon is equipped with lithium-sulfur batteries and electric propellers, powered by solar panels covering its approximately 82-meter-long structure. Throughout its flight, it maintained a stable position within a radius of just 1 km, showcasing its ability to provide connectivity for telecommunications and environmental monitoring over long periods.
According to Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, CEO of Sceye, this technology paves the way for new infrastructures in the stratosphere, facilitating emergency connectivity and disaster management. Sceye plans to continue its pre-commercial trials in Japan, with the goal of flights lasting several months, or even years.
Sand-based batteries for clean energy.
In Pornainen, Finland, a massive sand battery has been built, capable of storing up to 100 megawatt-hours of energy. This technology ensures a stable heat supply to the community and reduces carbon emissions by up to 70%, equivalent to 160 tons of CO2 per year. This is a major advancement in replacing traditional wood heating systems.
The operation principle is quite simple: electricity from wind and sun is used to heat the air, then the heat is stored in the sand and released by a heat exchanger. This allows communities to use renewable energy at low cost, and sometimes even receive compensation for storing excess electricity. The sand battery achieves a 83-85% efficiency and remains stable throughout the year.
Polar Night is building a larger version in Vaaksy, with a capacity of 250 megawatt-hours and a power of 2 megawatts. Besides residential needs, this technology holds promise for industrial applications, where heating needs account for up to 36% of global demand. If successful, sand batteries could become a key element in reducing emissions across the entire economy.
Minh Hoan Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-15-4-robot-chay-nuoc-rut-nhu-usain-bolt-ar1013062.html
