SANGJU, NOV 27 – The four-legged robot, Laibo 2, developed in South Korea, made history when it became the first robot to complete a full marathon of 42,195 kilometers (km) on just one battery charge.
According to Oddity CentralLaibo 2 is the innovation of Professor Hwangbo Je-min and his team from the Korea Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (KAIST), successfully completed the run in 4 hours, 19 minutes and 52 seconds during the 22nd Sangju Dried Persimmon Marathon.
The 42-kilogram robot faced challenges including a hilly course and the need to avoid other runners while ensuring efficient use of energy to finish the race.
Laibo 2’s first attempt at the Geumsan Ginseng Festival last year was unsuccessful when the battery died after 37km. The failure revealed a weakness in the robot’s ability to maintain constant speed due to frequent braking and acceleration.
Following that, the research team introduced a number of key improvements, including a battery with a larger capacity and an advanced AI system. The AI system allows Laibo 2 to store the kinetic energy generated while going downhill, something that would be impossible without AI control.
Laibo 2 is equipped with two cameras on the front and back to detect surface features as well as sensors on the joints to optimize movement. The system allows the robot to efficiently traverse a wide variety of surfaces while avoiding collisions.
Not only did the robot set a record by completing a full marathon, but the modifications made allowed it to run up to 67km in a straight line. Laibo 2’s eight-hour battery autonomy also exceeds Spot, the famous robot from Boston Dynamics. – Agency