Scientists Have Created The ‘World’s Fastest’ Humanoid Robot And It Plays Soccer

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Mechanical engineers at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have developed the “world’s fastest” humanoid robot, and it plays soccer.

Named ARTEMIS, which stands for Advanced Robotic Technology for Enhanced Mobility and Improved Stability, it has what the UCLA engineers call “first-of-its-kind technology.”

The robot was designed by researchers at the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory at UCLA, or RoMeLa, as a general-purpose humanoid robot, with a particular focus on bipedal locomotion over uneven terrain. Standing 4 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing 85 pounds, it’s capable of walking on rough and unstable surfaces, as well as running and jumping. ARTEMIS is able to remain steady even when strongly shoved or otherwise disturbed.

During tests in the lab, ARTEMIS has been clocked walking 2.1 meters per second, which would make it the world’s fastest walking humanoid robot, according to the UCLA researchers. It is also believed to be the first humanoid robot designed in an academic setting that is capable of running, and only the third overall.

“That is the key behind its excellent balance while walking on uneven terrain and its ability to run — getting both feet off the ground while in motion,” said Dennis Hong, a UCLA professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and the director of RoMeLa. “This is a first-of-its-kind robot.”

ARTEMIS’ ability to respond and adapt to what it senses comes from its system of sensors and actuators. It has custom-designed force sensors on each foot, which help the machine keep its balance as it moves. It also has an orientation unit and cameras in its head to help it perceive its surroundings.

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In July, ARTEMIS will compete in the soccer competition of the 2023 RoboCup in Bordeaux, France.

In preparation for the RoboCup, the researchers have been testing the robot on regular walks around the UCLA campus.

Next on the humanoid robot’s training schedule will be testing ARTEMIS’ running and soccer-playing skills at the UCLA Intramural Field. They will also evaluate how well it can traverse uneven terrain and stairs, its capacity for falling and getting back up, and its ability to carry objects.