The Israeli robotics company of Amnon Shashua, who also founded Mobileye and Orcam, introduced MenteeBot V3.0, the third version of an advanced humanoid robot with artificial intelligence and a unique hardware system on Tuesday. The robot features a series of significant improvements compared to previous generations, and promises to revolutionize the field of robotics. According to the company, this is a teaser for the official launch of the robot.
A significant leap forward
In its LinkedIn post, the start-up presented notable innovations, including improved sensors that provide better environmental awareness than previous models; improved upper body mobility that allows for greater agility and flexibility in performing tasks; and a replaceable battery system with an operating time of over three hours.
The company also revealed new data such as increased lifting and carrying capacity of up to 25 kg; the palms have been redesigned and provide a stronger grip, resistance to impact and precise manipulation ability. The robot's walking speed can reach up to 1.5 meters per second. It's height is 175 cm (5'9) and can 'see' 360-degree viewing angles achieved through fisheye cameras on the side and a rear camera. The robot is powered by two Jetson Orin AGX processors from Nvidia.
According to the company, "MenteeBot V3.0 marks a significant leap in the field of robotics, and presents advanced capabilities that can be used in a variety of fields, from industry to service fields, with the new robot expected to spark great interest among technology companies and researchers around the world."
The company revealed that the robot looks more human-like than the previous version from last April. It remains unclear whether the new version is expected to be the final robot. In April, the company announced that it plans to mass-produce the robot in the first quarter of 2025, but has not disclosed whether it's the V3.0 model.
Industrial and organizational use
In a post on LinkedIn, Amnon Shashua said: "An exciting milestone at Mentee Robotics! We’ve just released a teaser for the new Mentee Bot V3.0, a fully vertically integrated robot packed with cutting-edge innovations. It features custom-designed actuators that deliver three times more power than off-the-shelf alternatives, ensuring superior performance."
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"A replaceable battery system allows for continuous operation, making it ideal for real-world manufacturing environments. MenteeBot V3.0, designed to handle loads of up to 25 kg, will be used for difficult tasks for human workers for extended periods. Its hands offer a strong grip, with a pressing force of 30 Newtons per finger, and provide resistance to damage and precise manipulation. With these and many other advances, MenteeBot V3.0 will redefine labor-intensive tasks with efficiency and reliability," Shashua also said.
Shashua confirms that this robot is primarily intended for organizational or industrial use. In other words, don't count on it showing up at your house anytime soon and starting to do dishes or fold laundry. The robot will likely be used for industrial tasks, logistics or working in hazardous environments. The question arises as to whether the company is also planning a military version since such a robot could be a force multiplier in such tasks.
The company did not comment on whether this is the final stage before production.