Watch: Deep Robotics humanoid robot conquers real-world concrete stairs, rough terrain

Deep Robotics has released new footage showing its DR02 humanoid robot climbing outdoor concrete stairs, highlighting the machine’s ability to handle challenging terrain and maintain dynamic movement. The latest demonstration comes as the Hangzhou-based robotics company enters a key phase in its development and commercialization efforts. By tackling uneven, demanding outdoor surfaces, the DR02 is positioned as a platform capable of performing more complex tasks in real-world settings. Recently, DEEP Robotics’ robot dog tracked Tibetan antelopes at 4,700 meters, capturing migration and feeding behavior while demonstrating robotic operation in extreme high-altitude terrain. DR02 tackles terrain The latest demonstration comes at a significant moment for the Hangzhou-based company. Deep Robotics has applied to raise about $367.4 million through an initial public offering on Shanghai’s STAR Market, with the application recently accepted. The planned listing comes as the company seeks to build on a major financial milestone: Deep Robotics reported its first-ever net profit in 2025, earning about $4.2 million. The timing makes the DR02’s development particularly important. As Chinese robotics companies compete to commercialize humanoid machines, investors are increasingly looking for evidence that these systems can move reliably in real-world environments rather than perform scripted demonstrations. The new footage highlights several aspects of the DR02’s mobility. The humanoid is shown climbing concrete stairs outdoors, while earlier demonstrations have shown it running across uneven grass, jumping over obstacles and navigating challenging terrain. Recently, the robot has also been shown carrying a fire extinguisher mounted on its back and operating around high-voltage electrical infrastructure, pointing toward Deep Robotics’ ambitions for industrial and hazardous-environment applications. DR02 built tough Deep Robotics’ DR02 is a 175-centimeter (5-foot-9-inch) industrial humanoid designed for all-weather outdoor and factory operations. The standard DR02 weighs 143 pounds (65 kilograms) with its battery and has 68-centimeter (26.8-inch) arms. It has 31 degrees of freedom, including six per leg, seven per arm, and three at the waist. A dexterous hand is optional. For mobility, the robot has a normal walking speed of 1.5 meters per second (3.4 mph) and a laboratory-tested maximum speed of 4 m/s (8.9 mph). It can continuously climb stairs up to 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) high and handle slopes of up to 20 degrees. Its dual-arm payload is 22 pounds (10 kilograms). The DR02’s defining feature is its full-body IP66 dust- and water-resistance rating, allowing operation from -4°F (-20°C) to 131°F (55°C). Its perception system combines one LiDAR, three depth cameras, and one wide-angle camera, while computing is handled by an industrial 64-bit octa-core processor with 16GB memory and 128GB storage, plus an AI processor providing up to 275 TOPS. The robot uses a 20Ah, 1,440Wh swappable battery. Deep Robotics also provides modular quick-disassembly hardware, allowing components including the forearms, full arms, and legs to be replaced rapidly. According to Deep Robotics, DR02 is designed for industrial, hazardous, and outdoor applications, including factory operations, equipment inspection, emergency response, infrastructure maintenance, and work around high-voltage electrical systems. Its rugged construction, all-weather protection, stair-climbing ability, and advanced perception make it suited to environments that are difficult or dangerous for human workers.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Jijo is an automotive and business journalist based in India. Armed with a BA in History (Honors) from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and a PG diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, he has worked for news agencies, national newspapers, and automotive magazines. In his spare time, he likes to go off-roading, engage in political discourse, travel, and teach languages.