The unveiling of the world's first 'centaur' robot by Run Robotics at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai marks a significant milestone in the field of robotics. This innovative robot combines the speed and efficiency of wheels with the adaptability and versatility of legs, making it a versatile tool for various applications. With over 95% of its core components domestically produced, the 'centaur' robot showcases China's growing expertise in robotics and its commitment to technological advancement.
One of the key strengths of the 'centaur' robot lies in its split-body design. The lower half, equipped with a four-wheel all-terrain mobility system, enables the robot to navigate through rugged sites, emergency-response settings, and mining areas with ease. This design not only enhances its speed but also its ability to adapt to challenging environments, making it a valuable asset in autonomous inspection, firefighting, and emergency rescue operations.
The upper body of the 'centaur' robot features human-like arms, expanding its capabilities beyond traditional inspection robots. These arms can perform hands-on tasks such as clearing obstacles, operating equipment, and assisting in rescue missions, making the robot a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. The robot's ability to meet explosion-proof requirements while remaining lightweight and reliable further enhances its suitability for demanding environments, including high-temperature steelmaking sites, long-distance oilfield inspections, radiation zones, and firefighting operations.
Zhou Bin, CEO of Run Robotics, emphasizes that the 'centaur' robot represents not only a technological breakthrough but also the result of product iteration. It addresses long-standing bottlenecks in scenario adaptability, operational capability, and large-scale deployment, making it an optimized solution for multiple special-purpose scenarios. The robot's platform is highly expandable, allowing for the integration of different upper-body modules, such as dual robotic arms, dexterous hands, and multidimensional force sensors, further enhancing its versatility and functionality.
The 'centaur' robot is equipped with a self-developed end-to-end environmental perception system that integrates lidar, binocular vision, and depth cameras. This system enables the robot to build a real-time understanding of its surroundings, accurately identify high-temperature pipelines, valves, meters, obstacles, and people, determine their positions and status, independently plan routes, avoid obstacles, and lock onto operational targets. This seamless closed loop from perception to decision-making further enhances the robot's autonomy and efficiency.
Run Robotics plans to complete an assembly line in the fourth quarter of 2026 and has already secured real-world orders. The company's research and production base in Shanghai's Zhangjiang Science City, supported by Pudong's strong industrial chain, talent pool, and policy support, has played a crucial role in upgrading its products and improving its supply chain system. With its advanced technology, domestic production, and real-world applications, the 'centaur' robot is poised to revolutionize various industries and contribute to China's growing leadership in the field of intelligent robotics.
China's rapid development of intelligent robotics is evident in the growing range of products transitioning from exhibition halls to real-world applications. The country's humanoid robots now account for over half of the global total, with quadruped robots accounting for nearly 70% of global sales. Chinese-developed humanoid robots have also reached a significant milestone, with over 400 models or complete units accounting for more than half of the global total. This rapid progress in robotics technology and its increasing presence in real-world applications underscore China's commitment to innovation and its potential to shape the future of automation and artificial intelligence.
