The future of robotics arrived this month with the unveiling of D1 (D-Infinite), which its creator, Direct Drive Tech in Beijing, claims is the world’s first fully modular embodied intelligent robot. This revolutionary machine, which made its debut at China’s Embodied AI Robot Games in Wuxi, marks a significant leap in robotics by integrating adaptability, intelligence, and physical reconfiguration.
D1 moves beyond conventional fixed-form robots. Its design allows it to literally transform its body in seconds by snapping various modules—such as wheels and legs—together. This modularity enables D1 to adapt its physical form instantly to meet the needs of any mission, whether crawling, standing, or rolling.
Key Features and Capabilities
The robot is engineered for heavy-duty, real-world applications, showcasing impressive endurance and load capacity:
Multi-Form Integration: D1 can reconfigure itself, merging individual modules into larger forms for enhanced stability or heavy lifting.
Performance: It boasts a 100 kg load capacity, a five-hour endurance, and a 25 km range, making it built for industrial and terrain missions, not just demonstrations.
Embodied AI: The system represents the core concept of embodied intelligence, where a robot can perceive, think, and physically reconfigure itself to adapt to the external environment.
The launch of D1 highlights the accelerating pace of innovation in China’s robotics sector, signaling a new era where machines can dynamically change their hardware to match changing demands.
