FlashBot Arm: a semi-humanoid centaur robot for work in hotels, offices and even hospitals (video)
Pudu Robotics, a company that has long been involved in service robots, has presented its newest development - FlashBot Arm. This is an updated version of their FlashBot delivery robot, but now with a robotic arm and an even smarter "brain". The robot can be called a semi-humanoid because of its chassis at the bottom and a torso with a head and two arms at the top, which is closer to a centaur.
The novelty was created in Pudu's internal X-Lab, and its main feature is a combination of mobility, artificial intelligence and the ability to interact with real objects: to lift, carry, give or take something. FlashBot Arm does all this independently, without human intervention. The video demonstrates how FlashBot Arm receives a package delivery task in a hotel and uses the lift independently, communicates with the guest and avoids other robots in the hotel corridors. The robot can recognise voice commands, gestures, and even facial expressions. It can also return to the charging station to connect to a power source on its own.
Here's What We Know
The robot is designed for use in hotels, office centres, restaurants, shops, and medical facilities. Its task is to help with the delivery of things, logistics inside buildings, customer service, and routine work that is better left to a machine.
FlashBot Arm's main features and bells and whistles in simple terms
More "manly" than some people
The FlashBot Arm has two robotic arms, each with 7 degrees of freedom, which means it can move flexibly and precisely. The robot can reach up to 2 metres and has very nimble "fingers" - these are PUDU DH11 branded manipulators with 11 degrees of freedom. Thanks to them, he can press buttons, grab objects, carry things - all very accurately and precisely. And most importantly, there is no need to rebuild the room for him.
Delivery that runs on its own
The robot moves on wheels and is very well orientated in space. It uses laser sensors and cameras to create a 3D map of the room so that it doesn't crash into people or furniture. Its cargo compartment is closed, so the items inside are safe. All this makes delivery fast, safe and minimises human intervention.
A smart head and a little bit of "chatter"
FlashBot Arm has built-in artificial intelligence based on large language models (yes, something like ChatGPT). It can communicate with people in natural language, understand tasks, plan their execution, break them down into stages, and even negotiate with other robots in the same system. All to get the job done efficiently and without fuss.
Full control over movements
FlashBot Arm can simultaneously control its body, arms, and "fingers" as if it were a trained acrobat instead of a robot. As a result, all of its movements are precise, coordinated, and highly efficient. It receives feedback in real time, constantly adjusting to the changing situation around it. That's why it doesn't get lost in complex environments and performs even better.
Safety comes first
How the FlashBot Arm analyses its surroundings. Illustration: Pudu Robotics
To avoid scaring people or knocking over vases, the robot is stuffed with a bunch of sensors: RGBD cameras, LiDAR, panoramic "eyes", and a pressure-sensitive "skin" - all of which allow it to see, hear, and feel what's going on around it. If a person or an obstacle appears in front of it, it will instantly stop. And thanks to a smart motion planning algorithm, it doesn't just brake, it brakes intelligently.
Voice communication
FlashBot Arm can not only be "programmed" but also talked to in a relaxed manner. It understands voice commands, gestures, and even facial expressions. It also has a pleasant, friendly appearance, so it doesn't cause stress to people who see it for the first time. This is important - especially in hospitals or public places where contact with technology should be simple and friendly.
About Pudu Robotics
Pudu Robotics is a global technology company headquartered in Shenzhen, China, that specialises in the design and manufacture of service robots. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on autonomous solutions for the hospitality, logistics, healthcare and commercial sectors. As of today, Pudu Robotics has already produced more than 70,000 robots operating in more than 60 countries, and its products are used in thousands of businesses around the world, from hospitals to hotels and restaurants.
Source: Pudu Robotics