China's Lynx M20S Wheel-Leg Robot Withstands -30°C and Wades Through 80cm of Water

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Lynx M20S robot, launched by China's DEEP Robotics, is defined as a wheel-legged robot designed for operations in extreme cold, harsh terrain, and environments where human tasks are difficult to perform. During testing, the robot traversed icy surfaces, crossed flooded areas with water depths of up to 80 centimeters, maintained operation at temperatures of -30°C, and handled slippery slopes with a 45-degree incline.

The demonstration was conducted in an area at an altitude of nearly 5,177 meters, aiming to simulate the real-world application environment of the robotic system. Since Boston Dynamics introduced BigDog in the mid-2000s, the field of such robots has undergone significant changes. Current models equipped with wheels and articulated legs are evolving rapidly, resembling autonomous vehicles more than experimental quadruped robots.

The technical specifications of the Lynx M20S include a hybrid architecture that allows switching between wheels and articulated legs. Weighing 35 kilograms, the robot is designed to operate in narrow spaces as tight as 50 centimeters wide, can climb steps up to 25 centimeters high, overcome obstacles up to 80 centimeters tall, and handle slopes of 45 degrees. It carries a payload of up to 15 kilograms, with a maximum load capacity of 50 kilograms. The battery life reaches up to 3 hours or 15 kilometers when unloaded, reducing to 2.5 hours or 12 kilometers at full load. For navigation, it uses two 96-line LiDAR sensors and is equipped with wide-angle cameras, providing a 360°×90° field of view. The model has an IP66 protection rating, ensuring complete dust resistance and tolerance to strong water jets.

The primary missions of the Lynx M20S will include power grid inspections, emergency response, logistics, and scientific exploration, with expected application scenarios covering mountain trails, flood zones, tunnels, pipelines, and disaster-stricken areas. Its launch comes amid the booming development of China's industrial robots, with companies like Unitree expanding their market share, while Western giants such as Boston Dynamics and Agility Robotics also compete for the same robot market. DEEP Robotics claims that the combination of wheels and legs extends autonomous operations to areas inaccessible or dangerous for human workers, reducing personnel exposure to risks of extreme cold, high altitudes, and unstable terrain. The company recently also launched the humanoid robot DR02 for industrial operations and firefighting, indicating its strategic expansion in the field of field robotics.