Chinese scientists have developed a quadruped robot dog that can run up to 100 meters in less than 10 seconds. Named Black Panther 2.0, it is a futuristic creation that seems to be outpacing even the fastest athletes. The robot dog has been developed by a humanoid institution, Zhejiang University, and a Hangzhou-based startup, Mirror Me. The feat of completing a 100-meter dash in under 10 seconds highlights innovations in biomimetic design, AI-powered gait optimisation, and the use of advanced materials. The Black Panther 2.0 seems to have set a new standard in robotic mobility. What do we know about Black Panther 2.0? The remarkable performance of the robotic dog is attributed to its biomimetic design, which draws inspiration from various animals. It has carbon-fibre shins inspired by Jerboas, running shoes inspired by Cheetahs, and spring-loaded knee joints acting as shock absorbers, mimicking black panthers. The robotic dog has surpassed the record set by the Hound robot from Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, which achieved the same feat in 19.87 seconds. Black Panther 2.0 has overtaken several human sprinters and joined the prestigious ‘10-second club’ of top athletes. The record has been achieved owing to its build, which is a combination of innovative design, advanced materials, and AI-driven gait optimisation. NEW: Chinese robotic company has unveiled a robotic dog that can sprint a 100-meter dash in under 10 seconds. Insane. The Black Panther 2.0 built by Mirror Me has fitted a robot dog with spring joints so it can replicate live animals. The robot can run faster than most… pic.twitter.com/gick5NKJ1F — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 15, 2025 Although the Black Panther 2.0 has achieved a phenomenal feat, it still lags behind some of the fastest animals. However, the technology represents a significant step towards closing the gap between robotic and biological mobility. The robotic dog showcases China’s advancements in robotics and opens doors for future possibilities with applications in various industries. The Black Panther 2.0 is 0.63 meters tall and weighs 38 kgs. The robot dog is capable of achieving a peak stride frequency of five strides per second. The quadruped robot is backed by advanced features such as AI machine learning and real-time gait adjustment, high-power-density motor drivers, and Huygens' coupled pendulum principle for coordinated movements. Reportedly, when unloaded, the robot can reach a top speed of 12.43 mph.
