Robotics technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Among the core technologies in robotics, locomotion technology is one of the most critical. Robot mobility systems are generally based on wheels, tracks, or legs. Most conventional robots utilize wheels or tracks because they offer advantages in stability, manufacturability, and operational reliability. However, wheeled and tracked robots often face limitations in rough terrain, where they may lose traction or experience excessive ground contact, reducing mobility. In addition, maneuverability and directional changes can be restricted on uneven surfaces. Legged robots, on the other hand, possess significantly greater terrain traversal capabilities. Once stable locomotion is achieved, these robots are expected to be deployed in a wide range of challenging environments, including disaster search and rescue operations, firefighting, space exploration, and military missions.
[Fig] Examples of Tracked Robots and Quadruped Robots
Legged robots are generally classified into two categories: bipedal robots, which walk on two legs like humans, and quadruped robots, which move on four legs. Bipedal locomotion is technically challenging because it aims to replicate human movement. However, bipedal robots offer superior agility and maneuverability compared with many other robotic platforms. Quadruped robots combine advantages of both bipedal systems and wheeled or tracked robots. They provide agility and directional flexibility while also being relatively easier to develop and stabilize.
[Fig] Mobility Limitations of Tracked and Wheeled Robots
Leading global robotics companies are actively developing quadruped robots. Representative examples include Ghost Robotics (United States) and Boston Dynamics (United States, acquired by Hyundai Motor Group). Ghost Robotics has established itself as a market leader with its Vision 60 quadruped robot series. Vision 60 offers excellent mobility, terrain traversal capability, and operational stability, enabling deployment across various environments. The U.S. military has shown particular interest in the platform, and specialized Vision 60 units are expected to be supplied for counter-terrorism operations requiring mobility in confined indoor spaces.
Boston Dynamics, acquired by Hyundai Motor Group in November 2020, is leveraging its quadruped robotics technology to develop walking robots for logistics applications and manufacturing environments, including automotive production facilities.
[Fig] Ghost Robotics’ Quadruped Robot “Vision 60” and Boston Dynamics’ Quadruped Robot “Spot”
Korean companies are also actively developing legged robot technologies. Dispector Co., Ltd. (CEO: Jonghwan Kim) successfully secured KRW 800 million in Pre-A funding in recognition of its quadruped robotics technology. Dispector specializes in developing AI algorithms that serve as the “brain” of quadruped robots. Recently, the company demonstrated its capabilities by signing an MOU with IN.TE.SO, a robotics education institution under the Greek Ministry of Education. With this investment, Dispector plans to accelerate the development of AI algorithms for quadruped locomotion and expand into applications such as security and surveillance robots.
[Fig] Dispector’s Human-Following Quadruped Robot Solution and Security Robot Solution
In addition, Robofren Co., Ltd. (CEO: Youngsik Kim) has developed a technology that combines Mecanum wheels and quadruped locomotion modes to improve the mobility and obstacle-crossing capabilities of articulated robots. This technology is expected to significantly enhance the performance of delivery robots.
Meanwhile, Hurim Robot Co., Ltd. (CEO: Bonggwan Kim) is actively developing locomotion technologies based on biomimetic walking principles. The company has created methods that improve both stride length and walking efficiency per movement cycle. These innovations enhance locomotion performance not only for quadruped robots but also for bipedal robots. As a result, domestic companies are making substantial progress in the field of legged robotics.
[Fig] Hurim Robot’s Quadruped and Bipedal Walking Robots
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “robot locomotion technology is expected to create significant new opportunities for companies.” The Center further noted that “securing intellectual property rights related to robotic locomotion technologies and associated solutions will be an effective strategic approach.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been selected as a partner by more than 2,000 innovative startups, supporting corporate growth and success through IP acquisition, strategic planning, investment attraction, and IP-based business support, including technology-special listings.
#LeggedRobot #QuadrupedRobot #BipedalRobot #Dispector #Robofren #HurimRobot #GhostRobotics #BostonDynamics #Spot #Vision60 #Robotics #AIRobotics #AutonomousRobots
Robotics technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Among the core technologies in robotics, locomotion technology is one of the most critical. Robot mobility systems are generally based on wheels, tracks, or legs. Most conventional robots utilize wheels or tracks because they offer advantages in stability, manufacturability, and operational reliability. However, wheeled and tracked robots often face limitations in rough terrain, where they may lose traction or experience excessive ground contact, reducing mobility. In addition, maneuverability and directional changes can be restricted on uneven surfaces. Legged robots, on the other hand, possess significantly greater terrain traversal capabilities. Once stable locomotion is achieved, these robots are expected to be deployed in a wide range of challenging environments, including disaster search and rescue operations, firefighting, space exploration, and military missions.
[Fig] Examples of Tracked Robots and Quadruped Robots
Legged robots are generally classified into two categories: bipedal robots, which walk on two legs like humans, and quadruped robots, which move on four legs. Bipedal locomotion is technically challenging because it aims to replicate human movement. However, bipedal robots offer superior agility and maneuverability compared with many other robotic platforms. Quadruped robots combine advantages of both bipedal systems and wheeled or tracked robots. They provide agility and directional flexibility while also being relatively easier to develop and stabilize.
[Fig] Mobility Limitations of Tracked and Wheeled Robots
Leading global robotics companies are actively developing quadruped robots. Representative examples include Ghost Robotics (United States) and Boston Dynamics (United States, acquired by Hyundai Motor Group). Ghost Robotics has established itself as a market leader with its Vision 60 quadruped robot series. Vision 60 offers excellent mobility, terrain traversal capability, and operational stability, enabling deployment across various environments. The U.S. military has shown particular interest in the platform, and specialized Vision 60 units are expected to be supplied for counter-terrorism operations requiring mobility in confined indoor spaces.
Boston Dynamics, acquired by Hyundai Motor Group in November 2020, is leveraging its quadruped robotics technology to develop walking robots for logistics applications and manufacturing environments, including automotive production facilities.
[Fig] Ghost Robotics’ Quadruped Robot “Vision 60” and Boston Dynamics’ Quadruped Robot “Spot”
Korean companies are also actively developing legged robot technologies. Dispector Co., Ltd. (CEO: Jonghwan Kim) successfully secured KRW 800 million in Pre-A funding in recognition of its quadruped robotics technology. Dispector specializes in developing AI algorithms that serve as the “brain” of quadruped robots. Recently, the company demonstrated its capabilities by signing an MOU with IN.TE.SO, a robotics education institution under the Greek Ministry of Education. With this investment, Dispector plans to accelerate the development of AI algorithms for quadruped locomotion and expand into applications such as security and surveillance robots.
[Fig] Dispector’s Human-Following Quadruped Robot Solution and Security Robot Solution
In addition, Robofren Co., Ltd. (CEO: Youngsik Kim) has developed a technology that combines Mecanum wheels and quadruped locomotion modes to improve the mobility and obstacle-crossing capabilities of articulated robots. This technology is expected to significantly enhance the performance of delivery robots.
Meanwhile, Hurim Robot Co., Ltd. (CEO: Bonggwan Kim) is actively developing locomotion technologies based on biomimetic walking principles. The company has created methods that improve both stride length and walking efficiency per movement cycle. These innovations enhance locomotion performance not only for quadruped robots but also for bipedal robots. As a result, domestic companies are making substantial progress in the field of legged robotics.
[Fig] Hurim Robot’s Quadruped and Bipedal Walking Robots
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “robot locomotion technology is expected to create significant new opportunities for companies.” The Center further noted that “securing intellectual property rights related to robotic locomotion technologies and associated solutions will be an effective strategic approach.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been selected as a partner by more than 2,000 innovative startups, supporting corporate growth and success through IP acquisition, strategic planning, investment attraction, and IP-based business support, including technology-special listings.
#LeggedRobot #QuadrupedRobot #BipedalRobot #Dispector #Robofren #HurimRobot #GhostRobotics #BostonDynamics #Spot #Vision60 #Robotics #AIRobotics #AutonomousRobots