New humanoid robot with wheels is unveiled

An ‘intelligent’ humanoid robot with legs and wheels has been unveiled by a Chinese automaker. 

Named GoMate, the ‘smart tool’ has a plethora of advanced features including autonomous decision-making and being able to navigate complicated environments. 

The robot was described as a ‘self-developed, third generation embodied intelligent humanoid robot’ by makers Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC). GoMate has 38 degrees of freedom and can switch seamlessly between two and four-wheel modes. 

The design by the state-owned company was unveiled at the China Robotics Network Annual Conference in Shanghai on December 26. 

CAG’s Dr Zhang Aimin was quoted by the Shanghai Metal Market information provider as saying that the creation is a ‘smart tool’ designed for the future of human life.

The robot has the potential to work across security, healthcare, automotive and other sectors, and is expected to expand into logistics, education and other fields.  

Testing is due to take place at the firm’s auto production lines and industrial parks, with volume production due to take place at a small scale in 2026.  

The design enters a market where Elon Musk is also a major player. 

The tycoon’s Tesla Optimus robots are designed to carry out a variety of industrial and domestic uses, including helping with household chores. 

He has previously said: ‘Tesla Bots are initially positioned to replace people in repetitive, boring, and dangerous tasks.

‘But the vision is for them to serve millions of households, such as cooking, mowing lawns, and caring for the elderly.’ 

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