ROBOTICS firm AgiBot has introduced the Lingxi X2-N, a humanoid robot featuring a unique dual-mode locomotion system that enables it to switch between bipedal and wheeled forms. This innovative design allows the robot to navigate complex and varied environments with ease. In bipedal mode, the Lingxi X2-N can climb stairs while carrying loads up to 6 kilograms. In wheeled mode, it is capable of overcoming obstacles such as single-sided bridges and ramps. The dual-mode functionality represents a significant advancement in robotics aimed at enhancing adaptability across diverse terrains. Potential applications for the Lingxi X2-N include logistics, healthcare, and public services. This dual-mode capability addresses a fundamental challenge in robotics: balancing stability with terrain adaptability. Wheeled robots, which dominate commercial use, offer superior energy efficiency and stability but struggle with stairs and uneven surfaces. Conversely, bipedal designs excel in complex environments but often face issues related to stability and power consumption. While hybrid locomotion systems are not entirely new, the Lingxi X2-N exemplifies a maturing solution to these longstanding mobility limitations. Engineers have increasingly recognized that different mobility modes suit different purposes — wheels for efficiency on flat surfaces and legs for navigating complex terrain. AgiBot, a Shanghai-based startup founded in February 2023 by former Huawei engineer Peng Zhihui, has quickly gained traction in the robotics sector. Since its inception, AgiBot has introduced five humanoid models and reached a valuation of 7 billion yuan (US$0.98 billion). Unlike many competitors, AgiBot has built its own factory in Shanghai rather than relying on OEM assembly. The launch of the Lingxi X2-N occurs within a competitive ecosystem in China, where companies such as Unitree Robotics and DEEP Robotics are also accelerating the development of advanced humanoid and service robots with specialized capabilities. (SD News) | 