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DEEP Robotics Co., a global pioneer in the development and industrial application of quadrupedal robots, has announced the launch in Europe of the newest version of its dexterous intelligent robot dog, Lite3, which combines advanced mobility and open modular structure to serve education, research and innovative entertainment.

The new Lite3 series offers four product models: a basic model designed for technology enthusiasts; and three more advanced versions designed for scientific study purposes. With new features that include DEEP Robotics’ latest proprietary limb joints, control systems and advanced algorithms, Lite3 has a more powerful, quick and durable movement capability. It also offers strong scalability that can be ramped up with the installation of more modules.

The Lite quadruped robotics series is currently sold in more than a dozen countries across North America, Western Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia, including Japan and South Korea. The new Lite3 series is now available for pre-order on DEEP Robotics’ official website (www.deeprobotics.cn/en/) and through local resellers in Europe. Overseas shipping of Lite3 is expected to begin in September 2023.

“The Lite series is designed for research and education purposes. While we have been able to advance the technical aspects of Lite3, we have also managed to bring the pricing down so that it is more affordable for an even broader group of potential users,” said DongXin Zheng, Product Manager at DEEP Robotics.

DEEP Robotics’ robot dogs are already used by some of the world’s leading universities, including Tsinghua, Peking and Edinburgh, along with University College London. The new Lite3 is positioned to be affordable for research purposes, as well as for robotics enthusiasts.

Major design upgrade

The new version incorporates significant technological advances on Lite2. The latest robot dog has proprietary leg-joint technology that provides far greater strength and drive, with torque increased by 50%. The high-torque joint drive-module offers extremely high torque density, response bandwidth and reversed transmission efficiency, enhanced rotation stability, and less power consumption.

The payload of Lite3 is 40% greater than that of its predecessor. It can carry loads of up to 7.5 kilograms. As well, its endurance in terms of time and range has nearly doubled. The Lite3 can operate for up to 90 minutes and has a range of five kilometers.

The Lite3 features an industrial-level real-time control system with depth optimization, a first for the product lineup, with overall computing power increased threefold. The algorithm upgrades make its movement more agile and responsive. The Lite 3 can climb steps up to 15 centimeters in height, close to the current maximum for a quadruped robot of its size, and runs at a peak speed of four meters second. It can also perform horizontal jumps, high jumps, front flips and other similarly difficult maneuvers.

Open modular structure

The open modular structure and interfaces of the Lite3 make it extremely scalable and flexible in its capabilities. Modules such as ones for Real-Time Kinematic (RTK), artificial intelligence, edge processing and other types of sensors can be readily added.

To enhance its navigation across very challenging terrain, the Lite3 provides leveled–perception capability interfaces (SDK, API), combined with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and depth camera for to develop auto-navigation, auto-stop, obstacle avoidance, visual positioning, 3D scanning and other perceptional abilities.

“Lite3’s better visual perception, interaction and obstacle clearance capabilities mean it can meet many secondary application development needs. Most users can access the functional interface and code it for specific uses,” said DongXin Zheng.

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