Pudu D9

The PUDU D9, developed by Pudu Robotics' X-Lab and unveiled on December 19, 2024, represents a significant advancement in full-sized bipedal humanoid robotics, standing at 170 cm tall with adult-like proportions and weighing 65 kg. Its architecture is engineered for human-centric applications under the 'Born to Serve' philosophy, featuring 42 degrees of freedom (DOF): 6 DOF per leg for dynamic bipedal locomotion, 7 DOF per arm for versatile manipulation, and integration with the PUDU DH11 dexterous hand offering 11 DOF (6 active motor-driven, 5 passive) per hand. The robot's skeletal structure includes thigh lengths of 325 mm, calf 383 mm, arm 580 mm, and hand 220 mm, enabling human-like reach and gait. Maximum joint torque reaches 352 Nm, supporting payloads up to 20 kg total (10 kg per arm), with walking speeds up to 2 m/s (7.2 km/h) on flat surfaces. Mobility is enhanced by lightweight gait control algorithms that reduce noise, allowing navigation of stairs, slopes, and urban terrains while recovering from perturbations like kicks. At its core, the PUDU D9 leverages 275 TOPS of computing power for embodied intelligence, powered by a 0.72 kWh (15 Ah) battery providing approximately 1.5 hours of runtime per charge. Perception is multimodal, incorporating RGB and RGBD cameras for visual semantic navigation—enabling real-time 3D semantic mapping, autonomous route planning, precise localization, and obstacle avoidance. Tactile sensors (12 regions, 1018 pixels per DH11 hand), IMU for balance, force/torque sensing, and auditory inputs via stereo speakers facilitate natural human-robot interactions. High-precision end-effectors like the DH11 hand deliver palm-finger grips up to 30 N, lifting up to 40 kg, with bend speeds of 150°/s (palm fingers) and 191°/s (thumb). AI architecture emphasizes end-to-end task execution via proprietary reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms trained on vast datasets, allowing rapid adaptation to manipulation tasks from heavy lifting to delicate handling. Visual-semantic processing supports complex environments, while multimodal fusion (vision, touch, sound) enables human-level responsiveness in service scenarios. No specific LLM integration or OS is disclosed, but the open platform hints at extensibility. As a prototype (not yet verified for commercial shipping), real-world deployments are nascent, focused on pre-sale trials. Demonstrated applications include warehouse box carrying, retail shelf stocking, restaurant serving/clearing, industrial sorting, ground cleaning with PUDU SH1 integration, elevator operation, and exhibition demos. Pudu Robotics, with over 80,000 units shipped globally, positions the D9 as a bridge to viable embodied AI, iterating continuously toward industries like logistics, hospitality, healthcare, and cleaning. Challenges remain in battery life, full autonomy latency, and IP ratings (undisclosed), but its high torque, dexterity, and navigation position it competitively against peers like Unitree G1 or Tesla Optimus.