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Dancing Robots Taught Dance Moves
The Unitree G1 humanoid robot learns the latest smooth dance moves via motion capture technology.
The Unitree G1 executes smooth, dynamic dance moves learned from human demonstration.
Motion data is captured in real-time by the Virdyn VDSuit Fulland streamed via VD Mocap Studio.
The data is processed through simulation platforms like MuJoCoand NVIDIA Isaac Simon Windows, and Rvizon Linux, for reinforcement learning training.
This method allows the G1 to understand complex balance, coordination, and force interaction in the physical world.
A very long time ago, the first robotic electric dancer was described in The Dancing-Partner, by Jerome K. Jerome, published by The Idler in 1893:
'I go to a ball to dance,' continued the previous speaker, not noticing the interruption. 'All I ask of a partner is that he shall hold me firmly, take me round steadily, and not get tired before I do.''A clockwork figure would be the thing for you,' said the girl who had interrupted.
'Bravo!' cried one of the others, clapping her lands, 'what a capital idea!
'What's a capital idea?' they asked.
'Why, a clockwork dancer, or, better still, one that would go by electricity and never run down...'
Anticipation ran high, and the arrival of the famous mechanist was eagerly awaited...
"Allow me, ladies and gentlemen,' said Herr Geibel, 'to introduce you to my friend, Lieutenant Fritz. Fritz, my dear fellow, bow to the ladies and gentlemen.' "Geibel placed his hand encouragingly on Fritz's shoulder, and the lieutenant bowed low, accompanying the action with a harsh clicking noise in his throat, unpleasantly suggestive of a death rattle. But that was only a detail. ""He walks a little stiffly' (old Geibel took his arm and walked him forward a few steps. He certainly did walk stiffly), 'but then, walking is not his forte. He is essentially a dancing man. I have only been able to teach him the waltz as yet, but at that he is faultless. Come, which of you ladies may I introduce him to as a partner. He keeps perfect time; he never gets tired; he won't kick you or tread on your dress; he will hold you as firmly as you like, and go as quickly or as slowly as you please; he never gets giddy; and he is full of conversation."
(Clockwork Dancer from 'The Dancing-Partner' by Jerome K. Jerome)
Thanks to @SFFaudio for alerting me to this story.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 10/19/2025)
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