Fourier, the Shanghai-based robotics company, has launched GR-2, its latest humanoid robot, building on the success of its predecessor, GR-1. This new iteration features advanced hardware, refined design, and a more powerful software platform, potentially setting a new standard in the field of humanoid robotics.
New Design and Enhanced Dexterity
At 175 cm tall and weighing 63 kg, GR-2 is designed to handle complex tasks with the finesse of a human. Equipped with 53 degrees of freedom and a 3 kg load capacity for each arm, it brings greater versatility to real-world applications. The robot's enhanced capabilities are driven by the introduction of 12-Degree-of-Freedom (DoF) dexterous hands, a major upgrade from the previous models. These hands incorporate six array-type tactile sensors, enabling GR-2 to not only manipulate objects with precision but also to adapt its grip dynamically based on real-time tactile feedback.
This leap in functionality represents a breakthrough in humanoid robotics, as GR-2 can now sense force, identify object shapes and materials, and make intelligent adjustments during operation. Fourier has also streamlined GR-2’s internal design by integrating power and communication cabling, a move that simplifies its layout, reduces maintenance needs, and allows for more seamless modular customization.
Powerful Actuators for Precision Movement
Key to GR-2’s human-like motion is Fourier’s proprietary FSA 2.0 actuator series. The company developed seven distinct actuators, each tailored to optimize the torque requirements of individual joints. With peak torques exceeding 380 N.m, the dual-encoder system significantly improves GR-2’s accuracy, allowing it to move with fluidity and agility across a range of demanding environments. The robot’s upgraded battery system also offers double the capacity of its predecessor, enabling extended runtimes that make GR-2 viable for longer operations, such as continuous walking or intricate task execution.
Bridging Virtual and Physical Worlds
Beyond its physical upgrades, GR-2 integrates a host of developer-friendly features designed to enhance its practical use in research and commercial settings. A new software development kit (SDK), compatible with major programming languages such as ROS, makes it easier for developers to interface with the robot. The platform comes pre-loaded with modules for machine vision, path planning, and force feedback control, which are accessible through intuitive APIs.
The system is further enhanced by compatibility with popular frameworks like NVIDIA Isaac Lab and Mujoco, which provide developers with a simulation environment to test their algorithms and applications before deploying them in the physical world. This combination of hardware and software tools positions GR-2 as an ideal platform for exploring next-generation AI-driven robotics.
A Vision for Future Collaboration
Alex Gu, CEO of Fourier, emphasized the significance of the GR-2 launch: "GR-2 is a big step into the future of humanoid robotics. We're passionate about building the most intuitive embodied agent for AI, allowing it to engage with the physical world in ways like never before."
The GRx series, of which GR-2 is the latest development, focuses on six pillars: locomotion, manipulation, cognition, bionic design, user experience, and commercial viability. This holistic approach ensures that Fourier’s robots are not only mechanically advanced but also intelligently designed to adapt to future human-robot collaboration scenarios.
With GR-2, Fourier continues its mission to advance humanoid robotics and push the boundaries of what machines can do in the real world, positioning itself at the forefront of an industry that’s rapidly evolving.
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