On Monday, the world’s first electric-powered running humanoid robot, “Tiangong,” went open source. According to Global Times, this milestone aims to accelerate the development of humanoid robots and their integration into everyday human life.
Created by Beijing's National and Local Co-built Embodied AI Robotics Innovation Center, Tiangong is considered the first full-sized humanoid robot powered solely by electricity.
According to Xiong Youjun, the center’s general manager, opening up "Tiangong" as a foundational platform will advance research in embodied robotics, body mechanics, and intelligent systems.
“The 'Tiangong' platform has gone through extensive testing. By open-sourcing it, companies and research institutions can directly utilize this foundation, cutting development time and costs,” shared Liu Yizhang, a project manager from the center, with Global Times.
The open-source release includes two versions of the robot: "Tiangong 1.0 LITE" and "Tiangong Pro." Software and structural designs are already accessible to researchers, with additional blueprints, software architecture, and electrical systems expected by year’s end.
“Tiangong” boasts an average speed of 10 kilometers per hour, peaking at 12 kilometers per hour. It navigates varied terrains—stairs, grass, gravel, and sand—with ease.
Representatives from Peking University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, UBTECH, and Jianghan University believe the project could stimulate growth across the humanoid robotics supply chain. Liu explained that while core components are independently developed, open sourcing creates a unified platform for progress.
Since its official launch in April 2024, Tiangong has already been used in multiple applications, from warehouse sorting to electrical plant patrols.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has identified humanoid robotics as a high-priority field for technological advancement and economic growth.
Earlier, Shanghai’s National Local Joint Humanoid Robot Innovation Center also released its open-source robot, Qinglong, which stands 185 cm tall and weighs 80 kg.
