Overview

The Lite3 is DEEP Robotics' research and teaching platform, internationally presented at ICRA in London in 2023, with overseas delivery beginning in September of that year. It is aimed at universities and development teams that want to test their own control algorithms on real hardware.

Construction

There are four versions that differ in height and equipment: Basic at 40.6 centimeters, Venture at 44.5, Pro at 45, and the Lidar version at 49.6 centimeters, each with a 61-centimeter length. Weight increases accordingly from 12 to 13.5 kilograms, while payload capacity decreases inversely from five to two and a half kilograms. A modular mounting system on the back allows for custom extensions. Slopes up to 40 degrees and steps up to eighteen centimeters are specified.

Technology and AI

The base versions detect obstacles in front and rear and can visually follow a person; from the Pro version onwards, front obstacle avoidance is added, and the Lidar version navigates autonomously. Interfaces vary by model and include USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, as well as taps with 24, 12, and 5 volts. Runtime ranges from one and a half to two hours, with range varying from 2.7 to five kilometers depending on the version. The manufacturer does not specify maximum speed.

Market Significance

The Lite3 became well known in part through the forward flip, which it can perform thanks to approximately fifty percent more joint torque than its predecessor. More practically relevant is its role as an affordable research platform: alongside the Unitree Go2, it is the device most frequently used for work at universities. DEEP Robotics does not provide a list price.