In a groundbreaking leap for robotics, Zhejiang University's quadruped robot White Rhino has sprinted into history by setting a new Guinness World Record for the fastest 100-meter dash by a four-legged machine. Clocking in at 16.33 seconds, it surpassed the previous record of 19.87 seconds held by South Korea's Hound robot – a feat comparable to shaving nearly 20% off the time of an Olympic-level human sprinter.
Engineering Excellence on the Track
Developed through collaboration between the university's Center for X-Mechanics and aerospace engineering experts, White Rhino represents a paradigm shift in robotic design. Unlike traditional iterative improvements, the team employed robot forward design – simulating joint dynamics and actuator performance across scenarios to create an optimized blueprint from the ground up.
More Than Just Speed
While its 100kg load capacity enables heavy-duty applications, the robot's true innovation lies in its racing-grade actuators and AI-driven control system. 'This isn't just about breaking records,' explained project leader Professor Wang Hongtao. 'It validates our approach to creating robots that balance explosive power with precise stability – crucial for real-world applications.'
From Lab to Life-Saving
Researchers envision White Rhino evolving beyond sprint tests to assist in disaster response and rugged terrain logistics. As team member Dr. Cheng Shaowen noted: 'We're transitioning from pure speed to operational effectiveness.' This milestone signals China's growing prowess in advanced robotics, with implications for industries ranging from emergency services to smart manufacturing.
