Humanoid Pemba makes history by climbing above 6,000 m on Ecuador’s Chimborazo ahead of Everest challenge
Humanoid robot nicknamed Pemba reached the summit of Ecuador’s Chimborazo volcano, becoming the first robot of its kind to climb above 6,000 m.
Footage shared by Spanish engineer Pablo Berlanga shows the 1.32-meter-tall robot moving across steep volcanic terrain alongside an expedition team in freezing temperatures and thin air.
Pemba, which weighs 35 kilograms, is a heavily modified Unitree G1 model. While it walked independently on gradual inclines of up to 30 degrees, it had to be carried by team members through the route’s most technical and steepest vertical sections.
Footage shared by Spanish engineer Pablo Berlanga shows the 1.32-m-tall robot moving across steep volcanic terrain alongside an expedition team in freezing temperatures and thin air. Video by Viory
“Our goal is to put the first G one [robot model] on the Moon, on Mars and very soon on Everest. This is our first step towards this,” Berlanga said at the summit.
He said the ascent tested the robot’s balance, mobility, navigation and communications systems in extreme conditions.
“The robot wasn’t able to carry… Climb everything and had to be carried at certain sections. But it made it. It was able to climb. We’ll show you videos. It’s going to be epic. And there you have it. The very first robot climber is here for you. Thank you to everyone,” he added.
Geologic Dome developed the robot with Ecuadorian collaborator Titania Freire. It was named Pemba, meaning ‘Saturday’ in Sherpa, while Jose was chosen as a common Ecuadorian name.
The Chimborazo ascent is part of the project’s Triple Crown programme, which plans further high-altitude tests before a possible attempt on Mount Everest.
The team said the work could help develop humanoid robots for mountain rescue, scientific research and environmental monitoring in remote areas.
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