ME Series 5G Humanoid Robot

The ME Series represents Roborn’s foundational humanoid robot platform, developed as China’s first 5G motion-controlled humanoid robot in 2018. The system enables operators to control a 1:1 scale robot through their own body movements, creating an intuitive interface for remote operation in environments where human presence may be dangerous, impractical, or restricted.

Product Overview

ME is designed around Roborn’s proprietary motion detection technology combined with an advanced algorithm system. Unlike conventional remote-controlled robots requiring joysticks or specialized controllers, the ME Series captures human movements in real-time and replicates them through the robot’s articulated limbs. This approach lowers the learning curve for operators while enabling more natural and precise manipulation.

The robot integrates 5G connectivity for ultra-low latency communication between the operator station and the robot platform. This near-instantaneous response is critical for tasks requiring fine motor control, where delays of even hundreds of milliseconds can make teleoperation impractical. The system also supports Wi-Fi and 4G networks for deployment flexibility.

Key Features

ME Series’ motion-detection interface lets operators control a 1:1 humanoid robot through natural body movements, transmitted over 5G for near-instantaneous response in hazardous environments.

• Intuitive Motion Control: Operators control the robot through natural body movements rather than abstract controls, enabling faster training and more precise manipulation
• Real-time Video Feedback: Integrated camera in the robot’s head provides live visual feedback to the operator, creating a first-person perspective of the remote environment
• 5G Low-latency Communication: Ultra-fast wireless connectivity ensures near-instantaneous response between operator movements and robot actions
• High-performance Robotic Arms: Articulated arms with hand and finger control enable manipulation of objects in remote locations
• Multi-network Support: Compatible with 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for deployment flexibility across different infrastructure environments

Technical Specifications

Approved in 2018 as China’s first 5G motion-controlled humanoid, Roborn’s ME Series is a 1:1 scale robot with 5G/4G/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth support and articulated hand control.

Clinical Applications

While the ME Series is not classified as a medical device, its teleoperation capabilities have healthcare applications:

Hazardous Environment Operation: During infectious disease outbreaks, the robot can enter isolation areas to perform tasks that would otherwise expose healthcare workers to pathogens. This application was conceptualized following the 2003 SARS outbreak and 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Remote Patient Interaction: The robot can serve as a physical telepresence platform, allowing specialists to have a more immersive remote presence compared to screen-based video conferencing.

Training and Demonstration: The intuitive control system makes the platform suitable for medical education scenarios where students can practice procedures in simulated environments.

Development History

Mark Mak, Roborn’s CTO, began developing the motion control algorithm years before the company’s founding. The 2003 SARS outbreak in Hong Kong prompted him to envision robots capable of performing dangerous tasks in medical settings, such as collecting used patient clothing to reduce healthcare worker infection risk.

In 2018, Roborn collaborated with China Mobile and ZTE Corporation to integrate 5G connectivity, creating China’s first 5G motion-controlled humanoid robot. This development earned the company multiple industry recognitions including the Hong Kong Awards for Industries Equipment and Machinery Design Grand Award (2018) and Technological Achievement Award (2019).

Regulatory Status

The ME Series is classified as a service/telepresence robot rather than a regulated medical device. It is not intended for direct medical intervention or diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the ME Series controlled?

The ME Series uses motion detection technology that captures the operator’s body movements in real-time. The operator wears or stands in front of sensing equipment that tracks their arm, hand, and body positions. These movements are transmitted via 5G network to the robot, which replicates them instantaneously. A camera in the robot provides live video feedback to the operator.

What applications is the ME Series designed for?

The primary applications include remote operation in hazardous environments, telepresence for specialist consultations, and tasks requiring human-like dexterity in locations where physical presence is impractical. In healthcare contexts, this includes work in infectious disease wards, contaminated areas, or situations requiring physical presence of a remote specialist.

Does the ME Series require special training to operate?

The motion control interface is designed to be intuitive, as operators control the robot through natural body movements rather than learning abstract control schemes. However, operators typically undergo training to understand the robot’s capabilities, limitations, and safety protocols for specific deployment scenarios.