Toyota’s CUE humanoid robot has achieved an extraordinary milestone in the field of robotics. It set a new Guinness World Record for the farthest basketball shot by a humanoid robot. The AI-powered sixth-generation robot successfully launched a basketball from an astonishing 24.55 meters (80.5 feet). With perfect accuracy, the shot amazed onlookers at a court in Nagakute, Japan.
The journey to this achievement began in 2017 as a bold experiment. A group of nine Toyota engineers, despite lacking prior experience in robotics or artificial intelligence, embarked on this project. Inspired by the iconic basketball anime Slam Dunk, the team aimed to build a humanoid robot capable of perfecting free throws using AI. Their determination and creativity laid the foundation for what was to come.
CUE’s Evolution: From Prototype to Record-Breaker
The story of CUE is a testament to relentless innovation and incremental progress. The first prototype, unveiled in 2018, made waves by successfully hitting nine out of ten free throws. Encouraged by this initial success, the team pushed the boundaries of their creation. Transitioning to the CUE2 model, they introduced a version that could stand unassisted and shoot from longer distances.
By 2019, the third iteration, CUE3, stunned the world by setting its first Guinness World Record. It completed an unprecedented 2,020 consecutive free throws, a feat only ended by the engineers themselves. This accomplishment solidified CUE’s position as a marvel of robotic engineering.
Fast forward to 2024, the CUE6 has taken the project to unimaginable heights. Its record-breaking shot of 24.55 meters showcases significant advancements in AI precision and motor power. This incredible achievement not only highlights the robot’s capabilities but also emphasizes the potential of integrating AI into robotics for specialized tasks.
From Anime Dreams to Technological Innovation
The success of the CUE project is more than just a technical triumph. It embodies the spirit of curiosity and determination that drives innovation. Transitioning from a simple concept inspired by anime to a globally recognized record-holder demonstrates the power of creativity. Every version of CUE has been a stepping stone, reflecting years of hard work and collaboration.
Although shooting basketballs may seem like a niche application, the technology behind CUE has far-reaching implications. It serves as a proof of concept for using AI and robotics to solve complex, highly specific challenges. Toyota’s engineers have not only expanded the limits of what robots can achieve but also inspired others in the tech community.
This milestone is a reminder of how passion and perseverance can turn ambitious ideas into groundbreaking achievements. With each transition to a new iteration, the CUE project has captured the imagination of people worldwide. It underscores the potential for AI-driven robotics to transform industries in unexpected ways.
As the team celebrates their record-breaking success, they show no signs of slowing down. The journey of CUE is far from over. Future iterations are likely to bring even more surprises, inspiring engineers and dreamers alike. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, projects like CUE remind us of the limitless possibilities ahead.