Walker S1 vs Walker Tienkung by UBTECH: Review

Walker S1 measures 170cm x 55cm x 38cm with a weight range of 50-80 kg, while Walker Tienkung is slightly larger at 172 x 60 x 40 cm and fixed at 73 kg. Both employ humanoid configurations optimized for balance and manipulation, with Walker S1 featuring force-compliant joints and Walker Tienkung offering 42 degrees of freedom for fluid motion. These designs support stable operation in industrial settings, though Walker S1's variable weight may indicate modular variants.

Walker S1 achieves 1.5-3 m/s walking speed using visual SLAM, LiDAR mapping, and balance-assisted walking, enabling stair climbing and agility. Walker Tienkung reaches 7 km/h with indoor SLAM, visual SLAM, and LiDAR mapping for terrain adaptation including slopes. Both provide autonomous navigation, but Walker S1 adds teleoperation for remote operations.

Walker S1 integrates RGB cameras, depth camera, LiDAR, IMU, force/torque sensors, gyroscope, accelerometer, and joint encoders for comprehensive environmental perception. Walker Tienkung includes RGB cameras, stereo cameras, LiDAR, ultrasonic, IMU, gyroscope, force sensors, and temperature sensors. Walker S1 emphasizes force/torque precision, while Walker Tienkung adds stereo and ultrasonic for enhanced depth and proximity detection.

Walker S1 supports autonomous control and learned behaviors through Linux-based OS and Python SDK. Walker Tienkung relies on integrated AI for object manipulation, autonomous navigation, and human-robot collaboration using proprietary systems. Both leverage multimodal perception, but Walker S1 includes teleoperation alongside AI-driven decisions.

Walker S1 battery details remain undisclosed, limiting direct runtime comparisons. Walker Tienkung specifies a 3-5 year battery life, 3-hour runtime, and 2-hour charge time with a 30Ah + 3Ah pack. These metrics position Walker Tienkung for extended research deployments, while Walker S1's capabilities require further specification.

Walker S1 suits manufacturing, research, logistics, infrastructure inspection, and remote operations with robust navigation and control options. Walker Tienkung targets scientific research, scenario innovation, logistics, rescue missions, and industrial automation emphasizing dexterous manipulation. Overlaps exist in logistics and research, but Walker S1 excels in remote tasks and Walker Tienkung in rescue scenarios.

Walker S1 runs on Linux-based OS with ROS 2 support and Python SDK for custom development. Walker Tienkung uses ROS2 alongside proprietary software, Python, and C++ for advanced integration. Both ecosystems facilitate research and automation, with ROS2 enabling standardized interoperability.

Walker S1 pricing spans $50,000 - $150,000, accommodating varied configurations. Walker Tienkung ranges from $65,000 - $115,000, overlapping in mid-tier costs. Value derives from Walker S1's broader control modes and Walker Tienkung's specified battery longevity.

Walker S1 includes force limiting, collision detection, emergency stop, and redundant sensors. Walker Tienkung offers force limiting, collision detection, emergency stop, and collaborative mode. Both prioritize industrial safety, with Walker Tienkung's collaborative mode enhancing human-robot interaction.