All-weather friends: China’s DEEP Robotics unveils world’s first weatherproof humanoid robot

DEEP Robotics, a China-based embodied intelligence company, has unveiled the DR02, which it claims is the world’s first humanoid robot with an IP66 protection rating for all-weather outdoor operations. The industrial-grade robot combines waterproof capabilities with human-like proportions and advanced computing power, targeting applications in security patrols, factory operations, and other challenging environments where traditional humanoids couldn’t previously function.

What you should know: The DR02 represents a significant leap in humanoid robot durability and versatility for industrial applications.

• Standing 175cm tall with 68cm arm length, the robot matches adult male proportions for compatibility with existing human workspaces and tools.
• Its IP66 rating (complete protection from dust and powerful water jets) enables operation in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C, allowing seamless transitions between dry factories and outdoor rainy environments.
• The robot achieves a standard walking speed of 1.5m/s for collaborative work and can reach 4m/s for emergency tasks.

Key capabilities: DR02 delivers impressive mobility and load-handling performance across diverse terrains.

• The robot can stably climb continuous stairs with 20cm height and navigate 20° slopes using advanced motion control algorithms.
• Its dual arms support a 10kg operating load capacity, while the entire robot can carry 20kg for cargo handling and emergency equipment delivery.
• A multi-sensor system combining lidar (laser-based distance measurement), depth camera, and wide-angle camera enables accurate obstacle identification and optimal path planning.

The engineering breakthrough: DEEP Robotics achieved “all-weather, all-time, all-scenario” continuous operation through innovative design choices.

• The company’s modular quick-detach system allows rapid replacement of core components like forearms, arms, and legs, with left/right modules being universally compatible.
• This design approach significantly reduces maintenance costs and downtime while supporting continuous operation scenarios.
• The robot’s 275 TOPS computing power (a measure of processing capability for AI tasks) enables real-time data processing and complex task decision-making.

Why this matters: The DR02’s weatherproof capabilities could expand humanoid robot deployment beyond controlled indoor environments into real-world industrial applications where durability and reliability are paramount. DEEP Robotics positions this as enabling “becoming smarter with use” through software iterations, potentially unlocking new applications as the technology matures.