L7 by Robot Era vs Next-Gen IRON by XPENG

L7 measures 171 x 50 x 40 cm, weighs 65 kg, and uses aerospace-grade aluminum alloy with carbon fiber composites for a lightweight yet durable frame supporting 55 DoF and 400 Nm torque joints. Next-Gen IRON is taller at 178 x 50 x 40 cm and heavier at 70 kg, featuring skin-embedded touch sensors for enhanced interaction feedback. L7's quasi-direct drive system reduces power loss and improves force accuracy, while Next-Gen IRON prioritizes collaborative design.

L7 achieves a maximum running speed of 14.4 km/h (4 m/s) with dynamic capabilities like 360° spins and balance recovery, using multi-sensor fusion, 3D LiDAR, stereo vision, and SLAM. Next-Gen IRON reaches 6 km/h (1.67 m/s) walking speed, relying on visual SLAM, LiDAR mapping, and indoor SLAM for navigation. L7 excels in high-speed agile movement, while Next-Gen IRON focuses on stable indoor traversal.

L7 includes panoramic binocular RGB-D cameras with 360° FOV, 3D LiDAR, 6-axis IMU, microphone array, and speakers for voice interaction. Next-Gen IRON has RGB cameras, stereo cameras, LiDAR, ultrasonic, IMU, gyroscope, force, temperature, and skin touch sensors. Both employ multi-sensor approaches, but L7 emphasizes panoramic vision and Next-Gen IRON adds tactile and environmental sensing.

L7 runs custom AI software on the ERA-42 onboard embodied AI computer, supporting full-body control, autonomous operation, teleoperation, and APIs likely with ROS integration. Next-Gen IRON uses a proprietary OS based on ROS2 with Python and C++ APIs for autonomous control, teleoperation, and learned behaviors. L7 integrates vision-language-action models, while Next-Gen IRON leverages ROS2 for programming flexibility.

L7 offers a typical lithium-ion battery lifespan of 3-5 years, with runtime per charge not specified but supporting high-speed operations. Next-Gen IRON provides a 4-year battery lifespan. Both indicate long-term power solutions suitable for sustained use, with overlapping durability.

L7 targets industrial assembly like screw-driving and sorting, logistics goods-to-person, pharmaceutical handling, and embodied AI research. Next-Gen IRON suits customer guidance, sales assistance, industrial inspection, research, and healthcare support. L7 leans toward high-dexterity factory tasks, while Next-Gen IRON extends to service and collaborative environments.

L7 employs custom AI software with ERA-42, likely Linux-based OS and ROS integration, plus APIs for programming, app control, and teleoperation. Next-Gen IRON runs proprietary ROS2-based OS supporting Python and C++ APIs for autonomous and learned behaviors. Both enable developer access, with ROS2 providing standardized tools for Next-Gen IRON.

L7 is priced at USD 120,000 for base research and enterprise configurations. Next-Gen IRON ranges from $150,000 to $250,000 estimated. L7 offers a lower entry point for industrial-focused deployments.

L7 includes emergency stop, obstacle avoidance via real-time sensing, and torque-limited joints. Next-Gen IRON features force limiting, collision detection, emergency stop, and collaborative mode. Both prioritize human-safe operation through sensing and control limits.