A true test for entrant robots
Long distance running events like this will act as true tests for entrant robots as they tend to involve complex pieces of engineering. As with humans, running puts a lot of strain on the knees and ankles of robots, requiring high torque to operate. More torque would mean adjustments to the robot’s mechanical structure to withstand higher impact and vibration.
Running for extended periods also requires motors to work constantly, which can lead to overheating and breakdowns. Operating at a high load for long increases the wear and tear on robot parts and shortens their lifespan.
“Only robots that pass this third stage are ready to be delivered to customers,” said Yang Guodong, co-founder of Casbot and head of its sports intelligence and R&D center. “If this competition had been held a year ago, not many robots would have been able to participate,” he noted.