World-first convertible robot switches between biped, quadruped forms

Direct Drive Technology, a Hong Kong-based robotics firm, has introduced the world’s first fully modular embodied intelligence robot called the D1. This innovative robot can autonomously reconfigure itself to switch between bipedal and quadrupedal forms, allowing it to adapt to various terrains and tasks. The quadruped mode offers stability and is suited for uneven or chaotic terrain, while the biped mode is lighter and more efficient on flat surfaces. The D1 demonstrates versatile capabilities such as rolling over smooth terrain for scouting, walking on rough terrain while carrying payloads up to 100 kg, and even recovering from falls with precision. Each biped section weighs 24.3 kg, can roll at speeds up to 11 km/h, and operates for over five hours on a two-hour charge, powered by a Jetson Orin NX 8GB processor running Ubuntu 22.04. The D1’s modular design allows two biped units to combine into a quadruped, expanding its functional