Lenovo’s Shanghai innovation lab may not be the first thing that comes to mind when seeking a robotic dog to secure your warehouse, but it has been developing bots for several years now. Although the latest iteration remains unformally unveiled, a glimpse into its aesthetic can be gleaned from its receipt of an iF Design Award, offering a preview of what’s to come.
The most notable robotic canine is undoubtedly Spot, a creation by Boston Dynamics, which continued uninterrupted development during the COVID-19 pandemic, even garnering attention from iconic rockers like the Rolling Stones.
However, there are several notable members of the canine bot pack. A new pup has emerged from an unexpected source: the global technology giant’s innovative spirit. One insect that truly stands out from its peers is the one that operates with an extra pair of legs.
Lenovo/iF Design
While Robo design and implementation is not a novel pursuit for Lenovo, its Daystar division already boasts experience in this area. There are wheeled inspection bots, including the D1, designed to patrol amenities and monitor tools; the X1, a four-wheeled bot featuring a robotic arm and vision tower; the S1, a human-height campus rover that can be teleoperated via AR glasses; and the Q1, a four-legged robodog engineered to navigate complex environments and tackle challenging terrain.
Although the Bot GS has not yet appeared on Daystar’s accessible merchandise pages, it is expected to be released in Asian markets later this year. That was due to its success in winning an iF Design Award within the Product and Trade categories.
Lenovo/iF Design
While touted as having six legs to provide “unmatched stability and maneuverability” on various terrains, this design still has room to outdo ETH Zurich’s cutting-edge ANYmal research prototype. Little doubt that efficiency specs and video footage will likely be released closer to the launch window.
Its suite of cutting-edge sensors, including front-facing cameras, LiDAR, and radar, will harness advanced notion algorithms to enable precise navigation, detect and avoid obstacles, and inspect industrial facilities with unparalleled accuracy. Like various robot dog options, it may potentially be equipped with additional tools such as cameras and a robotic arm mounted on its back, thereby enabling it to squat during charging. The ruggedised unit is engineered to withstand the elements, boasting an IP66 rating that ensures unfettered performance in all manner of outdoor conditions, regardless of precipitation.
While the Daystar Bot GS is specifically designed for commercial, government, and public applications, its hefty price tag may limit its accessibility to this target market, making it an Asian-exclusive product akin to Lenovo’s other robotics solutions.
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