W1: A Modern-Day Companion with Pixar’s Blessing
The robotics startup Zeroth has ingeniously transformed the legendary WALL-E into a real-life robotic companion. Remember, WALL-E was the protagonist in the 2008 animated science fiction film created by Pixar Animation Studios.
Zeroth’s version of WALL-E, designed under Disney’s license, is currently sold exclusively in China. Meanwhile, Zeroth offers a different version of the robot in the US for $6600. This robot, named W1, doesn’t sport WALL-E’s iconic yellow color scheme or humanoid eyes, but it is equipped with the same structure that enables the robot to traverse grass, gravel, and slopes.
Advanced Features for Everyday Use
Zeroth claims the W1 is designed for home or “light” application conditions since it can transport up to 50 kg, with the robot itself weighing 20 kg. Additionally, its use of lidar, RGB cameras, and sensors for environmental navigation makes it particularly adept at maneuvering in tricky environments, such as a cluttered apartment or garden path.
According to Zeroth, this device can carry items, follow you, act as a game leader, and take pictures using its 13-megapixel camera. The maximum speed of the W1 is about 0.5 meters per second, and the robot stands 57 cm tall.
W1’s applications in various industries are gaining interest, especially with AI-driven robots becoming more commonplace. Its capabilities include being a potential aid in small business logistics or serving as a companion to the elderly, indicating its versatility and the increasing demand for smart home solutions.
