Earlier this month in Shenzhen, the 15th National Games hit a tech milestone when Kuavo, the world's first humanoid robot powered by 5G-Advanced (5G-A), joined the torch relay. Audiences witnessed it stride smoothly, torch aloft, across varied terrain a glimpse of robotics meeting sports tradition.
Behind the scenes, Cao Yu, partner at Shenzhen-based Lejoin Intelligence, credits a patchwork of partnerships and iterative tuning. "In collaboration with the Harbin Institute of Technology and the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence, we optimized the robot's running motion control algorithm," he explains, noting that these refinements boosted disturbance resistance and stability on complex ground.
But advanced motors are only half the story. Leveraging a dedicated 5G-A link, Lejoin Intelligence streamed high-definition, first-person video from Kuavo back to its control center in real time. That data stream allowed technicians to fine-tune commands remotely, ensuring Kuavo kept pace with the relay without engineer escorts on foot.
Despite being a mass-produced model, Kuavo underwent last-minute system tweaks to eliminate any margin for error. "We kept optimizing various aspects of the robot to make sure everything on site would run flawlessly," Cao adds, highlighting the team's commitment to reliability during a high-stakes public event.
The robot's name draws on inspiration from the myth of Kua Fu, the legendary figure who chased the sun. "Our early goal was simply to make the robot walk and run, then pursue bigger objectives," says Cao. "That spirit aligns perfectly with the Kua Fu legend."
For Cao and his team, Kuavo's torch-bearing debut is more than a stunt. It showcased tech innovation from the Chinese mainland, demonstrating how next-gen robotics and 5G-A streaming can enrich major sporting occasions and broader public applications.
As robotics, AI and high-speed networks converge, Kuavo's relay run signals a future where public events and interactive technology blend seamlessly a narrative that resonates with young global citizens, tech entrepreneurs, sports fans and travelers alike.
Reference(s):
Developer discusses significance of robot Kuavo's torch relay debut
cgtn.com
