- The 4NE1 Gen 4 is 20% lighter than its predecessor and features advanced motion control technology.
- Neuron AI is the core of the robot, enabling the transformation of perception into action.
- TUM RoboGym will train the robot to perform tasks using real-world data.
- NEURA has established a three-year partnership with TUM, investing approximately €17 million.
NEURA Robotics has launched the 4NE1 Gen 4, a humanoid robot designed for mass production, which is 20% lighter than its predecessor. The robot features a slimmer design, a black textile exterior, advanced motion control technology, and Neuron AI, which serves as the foundational model for the company's physical artificial intelligence. This launch coincides with the opening of the TUM RoboGym at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), a research and training center established in collaboration with NEURA, located near Munich Airport.
This 2,300 square meter facility will use real-world data, human demonstrations, and simulations to train robots to perform practical tasks.
Design and Technology of the 4NE1 Gen 4
The 4NE1 Gen 4 is the latest generation of NEURA's humanoid robot platform, featuring a redesigned body that is slimmer and lighter, with a black textile exterior that differs from its predecessor. The robot is equipped with advanced hand devices for more precise grasping, as well as Smart Limbs that allow each limb to respond independently to the surrounding environment. According to NEURA, these features are intended to help the robot react more quickly and move more smoothly. The core of the system is Neuron AI, which is the perception-language-action model of NEURA's physical artificial intelligence.
This model translates the robot's perception into action, using inputs that include vision, touch, force, sound, and the robot's internal state. These capabilities are designed to help the robot handle tasks that go beyond visual recognition. For example, when assembling components, the robot may need to determine whether a fastener is properly secured.
Functions and Objectives of TUM RoboGym
Neuron AI is trained using real-world robot data, human demonstrations, and simulations. Through NEURA's Neuraverse platform, the skills learned by connected robots can be shared with other robots in the network. The company is preparing for mass production of the 4NE1 Gen 4, which is currently operational at NEURA Gyms, where businesses can train and test practical applications.
TUM RoboGym provides a shared environment for researchers and companies to develop robotic capabilities for manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, healthcare, and other industries. Companies provide specific tasks and process knowledge, while researchers explore how robots can learn these tasks more quickly and execute them more reliably. Training activities began in September, with participants from over a dozen industries, including automotive, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, packaging, logistics, agriculture, and caregiving. Demonstration tasks include handling cardboard boxes, filling bottles, and loading and unloading wooden components. Companies can utilize the facility to evaluate robotic systems, identify training needs, and assess applications before scaling deployment.
The training infrastructure combines three approaches. Real-world robot data captures actions, physical interactions, and task outcomes through sensors. Human demonstrations record actions and interactions using sensor-equipped suits, motion capture systems, and remote operation. Simulations extend this experience by exposing robots to additional scenarios and variations, followed by testing their skills on physical machines. According to NEURA, the center supports various types of robots, including humanoid robots, mobile assistant robots, and cognitive robotic arms. NEURA and TUM have committed to establishing an initial three-year partnership, investing approximately €17 million in total.
NEURA contributes about €11 million, along with robotic infrastructure, computing resources, and operational support. Munich will also serve as the starting point for NEURA's planned international training center network, with additional locations planned in Europe, the United States, and China. NEURA is also developing another facility in Germany in collaboration with RWTH Aachen University.
Impact of NEURA and TUM's Collaboration on Robotics Technology
The collaboration between NEURA Robotics and the Technical University of Munich marks a milestone in the further development of robotics technology. Through TUM RoboGym, researchers and companies can train robots in real-world environments, enhancing the learning efficiency of robots and accelerating their application across multiple industries. With advancements in Neuron AI, robots will be able to execute complex tasks more accurately, which will have far-reaching implications for the future of automation and intelligent production.