Switzerland's ANYmal is making waves in the robotics industry, positioning itself as a strong competitor to Boston Dynamics' Spot. While humanoid robots have seen significant advancements from various companies, there is still room for innovation in different form factors. Boston Dynamics' Spot, a quadrupedal sensing and inspection robot, has been a prominent player in the field.
ETH, the Swiss institute of technology in Zurich, has been actively developing ANYmal, a versatile robot that has recently showcased its enhanced capabilities by delving into parkour. This new skill set allows ANYmal to navigate urban environments with agility and tackle challenging terrains commonly found in disaster areas and construction sites.
The evolution of ANYmal's capabilities is attributed to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques. Researchers and doctoral students at ETH have enabled ANYmal to learn autonomously through trial and error, mimicking the learning process of a child. When faced with obstacles, the robot leverages its camera to assess the terrain and utilizes its artificial neural network to classify obstacles and determine the best approach.
Moreover, researchers have implemented a model-based control system alongside machine learning to optimize ANYmal's performance. This dual approach facilitates the robot in mastering precise movements and adapting to unforeseen circumstances effectively.
ANYmal is commercially available through ANYbotics, a spin-off company from the university that secured a substantial $50 million funding round last year. Marketed as an autonomous inspection robot for challenging and hazardous environments, ANYmal is equipped with visual and thermal cameras, LIDAR, and can carry a 10-kilogram payload. The robot operates on battery power for 90 minutes, catering to various industries such as industrial, search and rescue, military, and telemedicine.
Competitors in the robotics sector, including KNR Systems, Lymxmotion, Moog, and Unitree, are also vying for market share. Analysts predict significant growth in the robotics industry, with an estimated year-over-year increase of up to 8.8% over the next decade.
