This New Humanoid Robot Plays SOCCER! (Booster T1 Humanoid Robot)

The Booster T1 is a 1.2-meter tall, 30-kilogram open-source humanoid robot developed by Booster Robotics, capable of performing complex movements like walking, playing soccer, and executing Kung Fu moves, all while being durable and affordable for developers. Debuting at the 2024 World Robotics Conference, the T1 showcases advanced motion control and adaptability, with plans for mass production and participation in international competitions.

The Booster T1 is an innovative open-source humanoid robot developed by Booster Robotics, based in Beijing. Standing at just 1.2 meters tall and weighing 30 kilograms, the T1 is designed for developers and features advanced motion control capabilities. This allows it to perform complex movements such as walking autonomously, playing soccer, and even executing Kung Fu moves. Its flexible movements include lateral and vertical splits, as well as 360-degree joint rotation, making it a versatile platform for experimentation in the AI robotics community.

One of the standout features of the Booster T1 is its durability. Constructed from high-strength materials and engineering plastics, the robot is resistant to falls and impacts. It can withstand an impact of 15 Newton-seconds, which means it can absorb light pushes without losing balance. This push recovery feature enables the robot to function smoothly in real-world scenarios, making it robust enough to handle obstacles and jostling during operation.

The open-source nature of the T1 makes it accessible to a wide range of developers, including university students, allowing for greater innovation in robotics. Unlike other high-cost humanoid robots that can exceed six figures, the T1’s affordability encourages experimentation and research in various applications. Its small size not only makes it adorable but also practical for testing different abilities and motions without the need for larger, more cumbersome robots.

The T1 made its debut at the World Robotics Conference in 2024, showcasing its capabilities through various demos, including soccer interactions. The robot’s ability to track and kick a ball demonstrates its advanced intelligence and adaptability in dynamic environments. The CEO of Booster Robotics emphasized that the current boom in humanoid robots is driven by AI, and the T1 aims to provide developers with a versatile platform for creating robots that can perform a variety of tasks in multiple scenarios.

Booster Robotics has plans for mass production of the T1 and has already secured commercial orders. The company is led by experienced professionals in robotics and automation, and the T1 has participated in competitions against formidable teams from the United States, Germany, and South Korea. The rapid development and deployment of the T1 highlight the fast-paced innovation in robotics, showcasing how the hardware of AI is evolving quickly to meet the demands of the future.