Project Overview
This implementation case demonstrates advanced Physical Intelligence (PI) based sports robot technology realized through the quadruped robot ANYmal-D developed at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. ANYmal-D is a cognitive robot capable of engaging in actual badminton rallies with humans through reinforcement learning. It recognizes the trajectory of the shuttlecock using only on-board sensors without external sensors and performs agile plays by moving strategically using its entire body. This project is drawing attention as a practical demonstration of situational responsive automation technology, where robots judge and react independently in dynamic environments, going beyond simple automation.
Project Background & Objectives
Background
Conventional autonomous robots typically had limitations in performing repetitive tasks or following fixed trajectories in static environments. However, in unpredictable situations such as sports, advanced automation technology capable of real-time perception, judgment, and motion control is required. The research team at ETH Zurich pursued the ANYmal-D project with the goal of developing a robot system equipped with human-level athletic intelligence.
Objectives
Implementing autonomous responsive motion control in unstructured environments
Developing an integrated perception-motion system using on-board sensors
Technical demonstration of sports-type robots capable of collaborating with humans
Testing reinforcement learning algorithms based on Physical Intelligence (PI)
Components
| Robot | Robot ANYmal-D: A cognitive robot combining quadruped-based mobility with upper-body manipulation functions Robot Arm Actuator: A dedicated motion unit capable of holding a racket and striking |
|---|
Workflow
| STEP 1. | Detect shuttlecock and identify based on color using on-board sensors. |
|---|---|
| STEP 2. | Predict the trajectory of the shuttlecock and calculate the target landing point. |
| STEP 3. | Select movement strategy (Stop/Run/Jump, etc.). |
| STEP 4. | Counterattack the shuttlecock by swinging the racket with appropriate timing and posture. |
| STEP 5. | Automatically return to the center of the court after striking and prepare for the next move. ※ Notice: Unauthorized copying or recreation of any content within Marosol may violate the Unfair Competition Prevention Act and the Copyright Act. |
※ The content provided by Bigwave Robotics is protected under U.S. and Canadian copyright and intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this content is strictly prohibited.
Recommended Use Cases
Indoor Logistics Transport and Loading Using VisionNav VNPA15🏗️
Process Overview This case study showcases a logistics automation solution that uses VisionNav's VNPA15 autonomous mobile robot (AMR) to automate the transport and loading/stacking of packaged products in indoor material-handling operations. Built on robust safety functions, the solution minimizes changes to existing workflows while enabling unattended load/unload tasks, and provides effective monitoring and control of real-time operations.
AMR Logistics Robots Introduced to Manufacturing Factory ✨ Logistics Automation that Quickly Resolves Even 1 Ton of Waste Derbris (2 KUKA KMP 1500P Logistics Robots)
Process Overview This case study demonstrates the installation of a KUKA KMP 1500P logistics robot at Bigwave Robotics (Marosol) to transport rollers and scrap debris within the space manufacturing facility. The KMP 1500P autonomously handles up to 1 ton of scrap debris over a 1.2 km distance and automatically transports heavy-duty roller modules weighing up to 1 ton. Furthermore, sensors embedded in the KMP 1500P enabled the development of an unmanned system capable of safely transporting heavy-duty materials. Project Background and Purpose Automated unmanned transport using autonomous robots Robots perform simple, repetitive tasks Safe operation of heavy-duty products using various sensors Remote control and monitoring using SOLlink
Full Automation of Injection Molding Line Logistics with AMR Logistics Robots
Process Overview This case study demonstrates an inline logistics solution that utilizes the Yujin Robot GoCart180 and an upper conveyor module to automatically transport plastic injection products from the injection molding machine to the shipping facility. By developing a conveyor module tailored to the customer's production line, we automated product loading and unloading, achieving complete automation throughout the entire inline transport process without operator intervention. Warranty Period 1 Year Performance Year 2023 Project Duration Need for consultation Project Background and Objectives Injection molding manufacturing in-line labor shortage Factory operations are disrupted due to difficulties securing workers Workers avoid work due to the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and industrial accidents
Project Overview
This implementation case demonstrates advanced Physical Intelligence (PI) based sports robot technology realized through the quadruped robot ANYmal-D developed at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. ANYmal-D is a cognitive robot capable of engaging in actual badminton rallies with humans through reinforcement learning. It recognizes the trajectory of the shuttlecock using only on-board sensors without external sensors and performs agile plays by moving strategically using its entire body. This project is drawing attention as a practical demonstration of situational responsive automation technology, where robots judge and react independently in dynamic environments, going beyond simple automation.
Project Background & Objectives
Background
Conventional autonomous robots typically had limitations in performing repetitive tasks or following fixed trajectories in static environments. However, in unpredictable situations such as sports, advanced automation technology capable of real-time perception, judgment, and motion control is required. The research team at ETH Zurich pursued the ANYmal-D project with the goal of developing a robot system equipped with human-level athletic intelligence.
Objectives
Implementing autonomous responsive motion control in unstructured environments
Developing an integrated perception-motion system using on-board sensors
Technical demonstration of sports-type robots capable of collaborating with humans
Testing reinforcement learning algorithms based on Physical Intelligence (PI)
Components
| Robot | Robot ANYmal-D: A cognitive robot combining quadruped-based mobility with upper-body manipulation functions Robot Arm Actuator: A dedicated motion unit capable of holding a racket and striking |
|---|
Workflow
| STEP 1. | Detect shuttlecock and identify based on color using on-board sensors. |
|---|---|
| STEP 2. | Predict the trajectory of the shuttlecock and calculate the target landing point. |
| STEP 3. | Select movement strategy (Stop/Run/Jump, etc.). |
| STEP 4. | Counterattack the shuttlecock by swinging the racket with appropriate timing and posture. |
| STEP 5. | Automatically return to the center of the court after striking and prepare for the next move. ※ Notice: Unauthorized copying or recreation of any content within Marosol may violate the Unfair Competition Prevention Act and the Copyright Act. |
※ The content provided by Bigwave Robotics is protected under U.S. and Canadian copyright and intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this content is strictly prohibited.










