The 2025 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2025), one of the world's largest and most influential robotics events, concluded in Hangzhou after drawing over 7,000 experts. A key highlight was Shanghai Kepler Robot Co., Ltd.'s introduction of its humanoid robot, the K2 "Bumblebee," demonstrating significant advances in mobility and interaction. The company simultaneously launched a comprehensive developer platform, signaling a strong push to build an open, global ecosystem around its humanoid robotics technology.
Quick Intel
Kepler Robotics unveiled its K2 "Bumblebee" humanoid robot at IROS 2025.
The robot demonstrated fluid, human-like walking and natural gesture interaction.
A hybrid actuation system with roller screw linear actuators enables its natural gait.
The company addressed the Sim-to-Real challenge using reinforcement learning.
Kepler launched a one-stop developer platform with open software and hardware.
The platform features high-fidelity simulation for "zero-risk" prototyping.
Demonstrating Advanced Humanoid Capabilities
At the Kepler Robotics booth, the K2 "Bumblebee" impressed attendees with its fluid, humanlike motion, including natural walking and interactive gestures like waving and thumbs-up. Its advanced mobility stems from a proprietary hybrid actuation system that integrates roller screw linear and rotary actuators. This custom architecture allows for a natural straight-knee walking gait, delivering high torque density, precision control, and sustained durability. The robot also showcased its ability to overcome the Sim-to-Real transfer challenge through large-scale, GPU-accelerated reinforcement learning, efficiently condensing years of training data into hours to optimize for speed, energy efficiency, and balance.
Launching an Open Ecosystem for Developers
Recognizing that ecosystem growth is vital for the industry, Kepler Robotics introduced its new developer platform. Designed to support global developers, the platform is built on four pillars: Full-Stack Openness, an Integrated Perception-Decision-Control Toolbox, High-Fidelity Simulation & Digital Twin, and Modular Scene-Building Capability. It provides tools for custom application development, including robotic arm control interfaces, motor APIs, and modules for vision, navigation, and voice.
A key feature is the high-fidelity simulation environment, which enables "zero-risk" prototyping and "zero-cost" iteration. Code validated in the physics-accurate simulator can be deployed to physical robots with one click, drastically accelerating development. The platform also includes Kepler Studio, where developers can use graphical drag-and-drop tools and natural language input to assemble complex task sequences easily.
To further drive ecosystem development, Kepler Robotics launched the Lighthouse Program, partnering with leading developers and industry collaborators to co-create solutions and accelerate commercialization. This initiative provides technical resources, market channels, and funding opportunities. Through its participation at IROS 2025, Kepler Robotics not only showcased its technical prowess but also reinforced its commitment to open collaboration, aiming to bridge academia and industry to expand the real-world adoption of humanoid robotics.
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