Program:
- 18:00-18:20 – Talk #1: Prof Dr Carlos Francisco Rodriguez, Engineering Faculty, Academic Vice-Dean, Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia + QA
- 18:20-18:40 – Humanoid Demo Unitree G1 UniAndes (AURA): Building a Wall + QA
- 18:40-19:00 – Talk #2: Mario Arbulu, PhD, CEO ROBOTICS 4.0, Colombia + QA
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Talk #1: Prof Dr Carlos Francisco Rodriguez, Engineering Faculty, Academic Vice-Dean, Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia
Short BIO: Carlos F. Rodríguez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Universidad de los Andes, Colombia. He earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same university, a PhD in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, and a specialization in Production, Technology, and Operations Management from Universidad Pontificia Comillas. With more than 30 years of academic experience at Uniandes, he specializes in robotics, control, and dynamics, contributing to research projects and scholarly publications. He has led key initiatives such as the ABET accreditation of engineering programs and major curriculum reforms, and since 2023, he has served as Vice Dean of Academic Affairs in the School of Engineering.
Title: Humanizing the Humanoid G1
Abstract: The humanoid robot Unitree G1 has exhibited a notable capacity for dynamic motion control. Numerous demonstrations highlight its ability to execute complex movements such as dancing, running, and martial arts. Although these capabilities are technically impressive, they often prompt a common question from individuals outside the field of robotics: What is it useful for? Since February of this year, when we received this robot at the University of the Andes, this question has guided our work. Our response was to turn the question around: What would you like to use it for?
In this demonstration, we present progress on two of the ideas that emerged from this reflection. In both cases, legged locomotion has proven less central than we initially expected. As in human activity, legs allow us to move from place to place, but it is the arms that empower us to interact and accomplish tasks once we arrive. For this reason, we have focused on developing the G1’s arms capabilities by adapting paradigms traditionally employed in industrial robotics. Specifically, we present advances in programming by imitation and programming in operational space, thereby enabling the application of the G1 to a broader range of everyday tasks.
Humanoid Demo: Unitree G1 UniAndes (AURA)
Talk #2: Mario Arbulu, PhD, CEO ROBOTICS 4.0, Colombia
Short BIO: Mario Arbulu is the founder and CEO of Robotics 4.0 SAS, a Colombia-based company focused on advancing Industry 4.0 through innovative robotic solutions. With over 20 years of experience in humanoid robotics and AI, he holds a ROBOTICS PhD from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, where he coordinated the Rh-1 humanoid robot project, and conducted postdoctoral research at AIST in Japan, working on the HRP-2 humanoid robot. He is an Electromechanical Engineer. Arbulu has authored over 50 research papers and holds 10 national and international patents. As a passionate entrepreneur, he drives Robotics 4.0 to deliver sustainable, cost-effective robotic technologies for academic, industrial, and service applications in Latin America, emphasizing social good and global collaborations.
Title: The Global Humanoid Robotics Lab by ROBOTICS 4.0 – Advancing Humanoid Innovation in Latin America
Abstract: The Global Humanoid Robotics Lab by ROBOTICS 4.0, based in Cajicá, Cundinamarca, Colombia, is set to transform the humanoid robotics landscape in Latin America through a pioneering research and development hub. This talk outlines the lab’s strategic vision to harness the global humanoid robotics market, projected to grow at a 48.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2032, with over 90% of units targeting industrial and commercial applications by 2050. In Phase 1, the lab will establish a state-of-the-art facility for designing and testing humanoid prototypes, fostering open-source collaboration and local partnerships with institutions like Universidad de los Andes, and other top Universities and companies. This phase aims to capture 5% of Colombia’s emerging robotics market, emphasizing applications in logistics, education, and services. Phase 2 will transition to scalable production, targeting 5% of the Latin American humanoid market through export-focused innovation. The lab will create 60-220 STEM jobs, enhancing regional capacity in embodied AI and aligning with global trends toward autonomous, human-centric robotics. By integrating with international ecosystems and leveraging events like the Humanoid Olympiad, the lab positions Colombia as a leader in humanoid robotics innovation, driving advancements in autonomy, human-robot interaction, and industrial efficiency.
Keywords: Humanoid Robotics, Embodied AI, Latin America, R&D, Industry 4.0, Innovation, STEM.