Zhejiang University has once again shown its knack for cutting‐edge robotics with White Rhino, a quadruped robot that just set a new Guinness World Record. Completing a 100‑metre dash in 16.33 seconds at a Hangzhou test site, this impressive machine challenges our ideas of speed—even though Usain Bolt’s 9.58‑second human record still stands.
The breakthrough comes from a dedicated team at the Center for X-Mechanics, the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center. Instead of tweaking existing designs, they started from scratch with a strategy known as robot forward design. This approach involved extensive dynamic simulations and multi‑objective optimisation, ensuring that every detail—from the robot’s geometry to its motor and reduction systems—is fine‑tuned for peak performance.
With high‑power‑density joint actuators that work like a racing-grade musculature, White Rhino is built for speed and strength. Its dynamic control strategy, reinforced by learning algorithms, helps the robot maintain balance and coordination during rapid movements, a fact highlighted by project leader Professor Wang Hongtao when he said that the sprint tested not only speed but also the machine’s stability and precision.
Beyond setting records, White Rhino is designed to handle substantial loads—up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds)—making it a strong candidate for demanding tasks such as disaster zone search and rescue. Dr Cheng Shaowen of the team points out that future enhancements will focus on boosting the robot’s robustness, energy efficiency, and its ability to navigate independently in complex environments.
