HOUND the Robo-Dog Sets New 100-Meter Quadrupedal Speed Record
Clocking in with an average speed of over 11 miles per hour, a South Korean quadrupedal robot called HOUND has broken the 100 meter speed world record for its classification of robots, with an overall time of 19.87 seconds.
By Richard Cole · December 13, 2023
A four-legged robot named “HOUND” has shattered a record by sprinting the fastest 100 meters ever recorded by a quadrupedal robot. Developed by the Dynamic Robot Control and Design Laboratory at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, South Korea, HOUND has redefined the realm of robotic athleticism.
With an average speed of 11.26 miles per hour, HOUND blazed across the finish line in 19.87 seconds, marking a historic moment in the evolution of robotic engineering. Young-Ha Shin, HOUND’s designer, revealed that all of these movements were executed by a single motor controller trained through reinforcement learning, simulating real-world conditions to push the limits of the robot’s actuator.
Weighing in at 45 kg (99 lb), akin to the average adult male American bulldog, HOUND is equipped with specialized lightweight feet designed for sprinting. Its exceptional range of motion is achieved through a meticulously crafted configuration of hip and knee actuator modules, complemented by a high-power transmission efficiency system for the gearbox.
Speaking about the design considerations, Shin emphasized, “Instantaneous and steady performance are important characteristics when deciding a motor for dynamic legged locomotion.” This attention to detail has elevated HOUND’s capabilities, allowing it to not only achieve remarkable speed but also conquer diverse challenges.
Beyond its impressive sprinting prowess, HOUND has demonstrated its versatility by successfully scaling a 22° slope, walking a distance of 3.2 km, and effortlessly navigating a 35-cm-high obstacle. As the creators of HOUND continue to refine and enhance its capabilities, the future promises even greater advancements in both speed and range of movement.
As HOUND’s remarkable achievements open new frontiers in the world of robotics, the boundaries of what is possible continue to be pushed, and HOUND demonstrates the ever-evolving ingenuity and innovation of robotic technology.