IN a leap for robotics, Zhejiang University’s quadruped robot White Rhino set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest 100?meter dash by a four?legged machine, clocking 16.33 seconds. It shaved about 3.5 seconds off the previous record of 19.87 seconds held by South Korea’s Hound robot — a relative improvement of roughly 18%. For comparison, the human 100m world record is 9.58 seconds, set by Usain Bolt in 2009. Project leader Wang Hongtao said the 100-meter sprint tests the robot’s raw speed, explosive power, stability and also fine control during rapid motion. Developed by the university’s Center for X?Mechanics in collaboration with its global innovation center, White Rhino represents a shift in robotic design. Rather than incremental upgrades, the team used a “robot?forward” design methodology — simulating joint dynamics and actuator performance across scenarios to create an optimized blueprint from the ground up. While its payload capacity of 100 kilograms supports heavy?duty applications, the robot’s standout innovations are its racing?grade actuators and AI?driven control system. The Center independently developed high power?density joint actuators that deliver both high torque and fast response — effectively giving White Rhino a sprinter?grade “muscular” system. “This isn’t just about breaking records,” Wang said. “It validates our approach to creating robots that balance explosive power with precise stability — qualities crucial for real?world applications.” Researchers envision applications beyond speed trials, including disaster response and logistics over rugged terrain. “We’re transitioning from pure speed to operational effectiveness,” team member Dr. Cheng Shaowen added. (Xinhua) | 