在这个快速增长的市场中， Litter-Robot 无疑是绝对的王者 。据外媒消息，作为目前市场上评价最高的智能猫砂盆品牌， Litter-Robot 一度 独占北美智能猫砂 盆市场超 50% 的份额 。凭借强劲的产品力，这个品牌获得了远超同行的溢价能力， 被誉为 " 猫砂盆中的爱马仕 " 。 在全球最大最成熟的宠物消费市场美国，智能宠物家具一直有着稳定的搜索量。特别是近一年内，自动猫砂盆的搜索热度明显上升。 机器人大讲堂了解到， 最新发布的 Litter-Robot 5 Pro 售价高达 899 美元（约 6400 元人民币） ，配备双 AI 摄像头和猫脸识别系统。这个看似简单的装置， 其实集成了重力感应、激光检测、图像识别、运动控制等多项智能技术。从某种意义上说，它确实是一个专门处理猫咪排泄物的服务机器人。 除了硬件本身， Whisker 还推出了 月费 7.99 美元的 Whisker Plus 订阅服务 。用户可以查看猫咪的如厕数据趋势、行为变化，甚至储存视频记录。简单来说， 你的猫什么时候上厕所、体重有没有变化、排泄是否规律 —— 这些数据都会被记录和分析 。 这样的产品背后，竟是 Litter-R ...

大赛时间： 11月17-18日 9:00 为让广大科技爱好者、行业从业者及相关人士顺利参与 2025年第二届中关村具身智能机器人应用大赛 ，充分 感受具身智能机器人领域的前沿科技成果与赛事魅力，特制定本指南，涵盖 活动核心信息、报名方式、日程 亮点、现场指南 等全流程内容，供您参考。 ▍ 观赛指南 ▏ 2025年第二届中关村具身智能机器人应用大赛 进3号门直走，大赛地点就在左手边 特别提醒： 场内和路边 没有 停 车 区域 ~ 建议大家绿色出行 观赛观众可前往签到处，核验 报名二维码 ， 领取 入场手环 ，即可入场观赛。 签到方式一 ： 大赛地点： 北京中关村国家自主创新示范区展示中心（3号门） （ 百度地图显示此名 ↑； 高德地图 显示中关村国家自主创新示范区展示 交易 中心，均为同一地点 ） 签到时间： 签到将于早上 8:00开启， 大赛均于两日 9:00准时进行，敬请留意时间，以免错过。 签到 流程 ： 找到报名成功短信，点击链接打开报名电子票券，出示签到二维码，主办方扫码完成签到。 签到 方式二： 打开 "微信扫一扫"，扫描主办方提供的验票二维码，即可快速完成签到验票。 大赛赛程： ▍ 参会指南 ▏ ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the 27th Tsinghua University Entrepreneurship Competition, highlighting its history, achievements, and the opportunities it provides for participants, including financial rewards and support for startups [5][11][12]. Group 1: History and Evolution - The Tsinghua University Entrepreneurship Competition, initiated in 1998, has evolved significantly, becoming a benchmark for innovation and entrepreneurship in Chinese universities [5]. - The competition was originally named the "Tsinghua University Student Entrepreneurship Plan Competition" and was later renamed to reflect its broader scope and impact [5]. Group 2: Achievements and Impact - Over the past 27 years, the competition has nurtured successful startups such as Chinese Online and Meituan, establishing a strong platform for entrepreneurial growth [6][7]. - The 26th competition saw participation from 109 Tsinghua entrepreneurial teams, resulting in a total financing amount of 1 billion RMB [9]. Group 3: Competition Structure and Rewards - The 27th competition features various categories, including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare, with significant cash prizes for winners [11][38]. - The competition offers a total of 10 million RMB in prizes, with the champion receiving 100,000 RMB and additional awards for runners-up and other categories [11][38]. Group 4: Participation and Support - The competition is open to Tsinghua students, alumni, and faculty, with specific requirements regarding team composition and ownership [41]. - Participants will receive support such as seed funding, office space, and connections to top investment institutions [40]. Group 5: Collaboration and Media Coverage - The competition has established partnerships with various organizations and media outlets to enhance its reach and impact [33][34]. - The involvement of prominent judges from leading investment firms aims to provide valuable insights and support to participants [14][25].

Core Insights - The article discusses the advancements in humanoid robotics, particularly focusing on the TWIST2 system, which integrates portability, scalability, and full-body control capabilities, overcoming the limitations of traditional motion capture systems [1][3][4]. Group 1: TWIST2 System Overview - TWIST2 is a new humanoid robot remote operation and data collection system developed by teams from Amazon FAR, Stanford University, and UC Berkeley, which allows robots to perform complex tasks autonomously [3][4]. - The system eliminates the need for expensive motion capture equipment, enabling quick deployment and operation [4][14]. Group 2: Key Innovations of TWIST2 - The system features a low-cost detachable neck module priced at $250, which provides egocentric vision capabilities when combined with a $400 stereo camera [9][14]. - TWIST2 utilizes a combination of PICO 4U VR devices and two leg motion trackers, with a total hardware cost of approximately $1,000, allowing for easy setup in just one minute [14][17]. - The system captures full-body human movements at a frequency of 100Hz, significantly improving data collection efficiency compared to previous systems [14][24]. Group 3: Data Collection Efficiency - TWIST2 allows a single operator to control the entire data collection process, achieving high efficiency with the ability to complete 100 successful demonstrations in just 20 minutes [22][25]. - The system's total data flow frequency exceeds 50Hz, with a latency of less than 0.1 seconds, enhancing the operator's ability to perform precise tasks [24]. Group 4: Autonomous Control Capabilities - TWIST2 introduces a hierarchical visual motion strategy framework that enables robots to execute tasks autonomously based on visual input, without relying on simplified speed commands [26][30]. - The framework has been successfully tested, allowing robots to perform complex tasks such as precise object manipulation and dynamic balance [32][35]. Group 5: Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility - The total cost to set up a complete TWIST2 system is around $1,650, making high-quality humanoid robot research more accessible [37]. - The research team has made the system, data, and models open-source, positioning TWIST2 as a foundational infrastructure for humanoid robotics research [39].

作为引领下一代人工智能发展的核心方向，具身智能正推动机器人从 "工具执行"迈向"自主感知 - 决策 - 行动"的全链条进化。通过融合视觉、语言、动作等多模 态能力，具身智能机器人正在工业、商业、家庭等场景实现"正干活、干好活"的技术突破。 而即将拉开帷幕的 2025 第二届中关村具身智能机器人应用大赛 ，正是这一产业生态的核心展示与竞技的舞台。 历经数月的筹备与初赛的筛选，第二届中关村具身智能机器人应用大赛即将迎来最高潮 —— 决赛将于 11 月 17-18 日在中关村国家自主创新示范区展示中心正 式开赛 。 题道一 具身大脑大模型能力挑战赛 具身智能模型 具身小脑模型能力突破挑战赛 能力挑战赛 FFEL 具身智能场景应用赛(自主完成) 具智能场景 具身智能场景应用赛(遥操作完成) N7 HEF 器值二 具身智能学术前沿赛 具身智能学术前 具身智能产业生态赛 沿与产业生态 距离决赛开赛 仅剩两天时间 ，已面向全国 开放报名通道 ，无论你是科技爱好者、行业从业者、高校师生，还是对未来产业好奇的普通观众，都能亲临现场，沉 浸式解锁三大核心赛道的硬核魅力。 ▍为什么一定来现场？三大赛道三大亮点直击期待值！ 1. " ...

Core Insights - K-Scale Labs, a humanoid robot startup based in Palo Alto, officially shut down in November 2025, having peaked at a valuation of over $50 million but now with cash reserves of less than $400,000 [1] - The departure of key personnel and the establishment of a new company, Gradient Robotics, by the product and engineering lead, indicated potential cash flow issues at K-Scale Labs [3] - The company faced significant challenges in securing funding and maintaining team cohesion, leading to a rapid decline in its workforce and ultimately its closure [27][29] Company Overview - K-Scale Labs was founded by Benjamin Bolte, who transitioned from a background in AI research at Meta and Tesla to focus on humanoid robotics due to a perceived gap in the market for accessible products [6][8] - The company adopted an open-source approach to robotics, which was integral to its culture and development process, allowing for rapid prototyping and iteration despite limited funding [12][14] Product Development - The initial focus on a large humanoid robot (Zbot) shifted to a smaller, more affordable model (Kbot) after recognizing the need for quicker market validation and cash flow [15][21] - Kbot was designed to be low-cost and easily produced, leveraging readily available components, which allowed it to gain traction and visibility in the market [19][21] Strategic Decisions - A pivotal moment for K-Scale Labs came when a venture capitalist suggested that securing 100 orders for Kbot would facilitate a $20 million Series A funding round, prompting a strategic pivot to prioritize Kbot over Zbot [23] - The company engaged in controversial marketing strategies to create competition and drive interest, but ultimately faced challenges in securing necessary funding [24][26] Financial Challenges - The failure to secure funding after the launch of Kbot led to a rapid decline in team morale and an exodus of key personnel, exacerbating the company's financial difficulties [27][29] - High operational costs, including rent and material procurement, further strained the company's limited cash reserves, leading to the decision to shut down [29][30] Industry Context - K-Scale Labs' closure reflects broader challenges in the humanoid robotics industry, where many companies struggle to transition from prototype development to commercial viability [32] - The market is expected to see an influx of low-cost, small humanoid robots, particularly from Chinese companies, which may outpace American firms focused on high-cost industrial solutions [34][36] Future Outlook - Despite the closure of K-Scale Labs, Benjamin Bolte remains optimistic about the future of humanoid robotics, predicting a shift towards modular, open-source designs that could democratize access to robotics technology [36][40] - The lessons learned from K-Scale's journey, including the importance of cash flow and market adaptability, will serve as valuable insights for future ventures in the robotics space [41][42]

在机器人领域，一个看似简单却始终困扰工程师的难题是： 如何让机器手指既 "有力"又"温柔"？ 传统刚性机械手虽力量强劲，响应迅速，能稳稳抓起沉重工件，但在面对豆腐、 薯片 或蛋黄时往往束手无 策，稍一发力就会造成破损；而近年来兴起的软体机械手虽然具备出色的柔顺性和安全性，能够适应各种不规 则形状，却因材料本身强度不足，难以承担较大负载，限制了其在实际场景中的应用。尤其在服务、医疗和农 业等需要高度灵活性与安全性的领域，这一矛盾尤为突出。 近日， 来自中国地质大学（武汉）自动化学院的机器人团队针对这一技术瓶颈取得突破性成果。他们从人类 手指的精妙结构中汲取灵感，设计出一种具有刚 -柔-软复合结构的仿人手指，实现了高强度、高适应性与高 安全性的完美统一。该成果以"Humanoid finger with rigid-flexible-soft structure"为题，在线发表于期刊 《Nature Communications》上。论文第一作者为博士生吕播阳和肖怀，通讯作者为孟庆鑫教授和吴俊东教 授，第一完成单位为中国地质大学（武汉）自动化学院。 ▍ 向最灵巧的"自然之手"学习 人类手指是自然界进化出的高效操作 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the importance of humanoid robot head design, arguing that it is essential for perception, interaction, and structural optimization, contrary to the view that humanoid features are unnecessary [1][22][25]. Group 1: Perception Capabilities - The head of humanoid robots serves as the optimal platform for sensory systems, directly influencing the precision, range, and efficiency of perception [3][5]. - Human-centric design principles dictate that the head's height aligns with human eye level (approximately 1.5-1.7 meters), maximizing the robot's ability to perceive its environment [3][4]. - Without a head, sensory devices would be poorly positioned, leading to decreased recognition accuracy and limited environmental awareness [4][8]. Group 2: Interaction and Social Integration - The head is crucial for emotional connection and interaction, especially in service scenarios like healthcare and education, where human-like features enhance user acceptance [10][11]. - Proper layout of interaction devices (speakers, displays) on the head aligns with human communication habits, improving interaction efficiency [11][13]. - Humanoid robots with heads can simulate human expressions, reducing psychological barriers and fostering trust during interactions [10][13]. Group 3: Structural and Control Optimization - The head contributes to the robot's structural balance, with its weight distribution mimicking human proportions to ensure stability during movement [15][17]. - Key control modules are often integrated into the head, allowing for rapid processing and response to sensory input, enhancing operational safety [15][17]. - Advanced neck designs in humanoid robots improve dynamic perception and interaction capabilities, further emphasizing the head's structural significance [17][18]. Group 4: Technological Evolution and Industry Trends - The design of humanoid robot heads is evolving towards lightweight, high-integration, and functional solutions, addressing earlier criticisms of impracticality [18][21]. - Major industry players are investing in head design, recognizing its role in driving technological advancements across the robotics ecosystem [21][25]. - The head is seen as a "soul carrier" of humanoid robots, embodying the blend of technical rationality and humanistic needs, essential for future developments in the field [22][23].

Event Overview - The 2025 Second Zhongguancun Embodied Intelligence Robot Application Competition will take place on November 17-18, 2025, at the Zhongguancun National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone Exhibition Center [2][11] - The event aims to showcase cutting-edge technology in the field of embodied intelligent robots and attract technology enthusiasts and industry professionals [1] Competition Schedule - The competition includes various challenges such as the Embodied Brain Model Capability Challenge and the Embodied Small Brain Model Capability Breakthrough Challenge, with specific tasks scheduled for both days [10] - Key tasks include on-site defense, real machine finals, and various application scenarios in industrial manufacturing and service sectors [10] Conference Details - The conference will be held on November 19, 2025, at the Zhongguancun National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone Conference Center [11] - The agenda includes an opening ceremony and presentations from notable speakers in the field of embodied intelligence, covering topics such as AI paradigms and robotic capabilities [20][21] Registration and Attendance - Registration for both the competition and conference is free, and attendees must check in using a QR code sent via SMS [31][25] - Attendees are encouraged to use green transportation as there are no parking facilities available at the venue [2][11] Keynote Speakers and Topics - Notable speakers include experts from Tsinghua University and Beijing University, discussing advancements in embodied intelligence and its applications [20][21] - Topics will cover the exploration of large model technologies, embodied perception and operation, and the future of intelligent robotics [20][21]

你刷到这个在微信视频号上火了的"全能管家"机器人吗？ 这段充满生活气息的视频， 在一天之内收获接近600点赞和近3000次转发 ，网友们纷纷感叹：好想要拥有一台。 这段惊艳的演示，正来自一家刚刚崭露头角的初创公司—— 「灵启万物」 。该公司由 前腾讯Robotics X实验室的两位核心技术骨干朱庆旭与周钦钦联合创立 ， 近日已成功获得元禾原点、英诺天使基金、元生创投、MSA Venture等机构的首轮融资，正式进入大众视野。 它流畅地拉开窗帘，让阳光洒满房间；它精准地为绿植浇水，甚至稳当地站上台阶；它不仅是孩子们可靠的玩伴，搬运玩具、一起分拣物品，更是勤恳的家务能 手，熨烫床单、擦拭桌面、处理垃圾一气呵成。 事实上，视频中机器人流畅优雅的动作背后，离不开这两位创始人的深厚技术功底。 据悉，灵启万物（深圳）科技有限公司成立于2025年5月，地址位于深圳市南山区，法人为朱庆旭。公司主攻人形机器人及具身智能相关软硬件技术，是一家名副 其实的"硬科技"创业新锐。 朱庆旭曾是腾讯Robotics X实验室高级研究员，其论文《Neural Categorical Priors for Physics-Based Char ...