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Implements human-like whole-body force sensing and compliance across arms, fingers, and waist; introduces a new high-DOF compliant hand, a low-friction backdrivable arm, and a gravity-compensated upper body
CHEONAN, South Korea, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --Global robotics leader WIRobotics (Co-CEOs Yong-Jae Kim, Professor at KOREATECH, and Younbaek Lee) today unveiled the upper body of its first general-purpose humanoid robot, ALLEX, at the Robot Innovation Hub (RIH) located on the First Campus of the Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH).
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/qT2UZ3oN4xI?si=5im0YYNrNq8nSNr6
ALLEX stands for "ALL-EXperience." Beyond visual recognition and position control, it responds to physical stimuli such as force, contact, and impact in the real world. By delivering humanlike interaction capabilities, ALLEX sets a new standard for humanoid robots, surpassing the limitations of current robotics.
Developed with WIRobotics' proprietary mechanisms and control technologies, the newly unveiled ALLEX comprises a new high-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robotic hand that senses reaction forces like a human and yields compliantly to external loads; a highly backdrivable robot arm with more than 10 times lower friction and rotational inertia than conventional collaborative robot arms; and a upper body with a gravity compensation mechanism. With precise force control and flexible motion, ALLEX significantly expands applicability in fields that require direct interaction with people, including services, manufacturing, and household tasks.
Technical Highlights
High–DOF compliant robotic hand. A human-hand-sized end-effector with 15 DOF enables precise motions and diverse tasks. With inherent human-like compliance, it detects and responds to forces as small as 100 gf even without tactile sensors; fingertip repeatability is 0.3 mm or less. It delivers 40 N fingertip force and over 30 kg hook grip—world-class grasping performance among high-DOF, human-sized robotic hands.
New actuation and control technologies. A newly developed ultra-low-friction, high-load actuator achieves human-level adaptability and force-control performance. A motor-control algorithm integrating precise position control with force and stiffness control is applied to the actuator. Together with a gravity-compensated waist, the whole-body design enables safe interaction, high-load operation, and precision control.
Lightweight structure with high payload capacity. The hand is approximately 700 g, and the assembly from the shoulder down is about 5 kg, enabling agile, safe, and human-like motion. Across the full workspace, more than 3 kg can be handled with one hand, corresponding to the work capability of mid-size collaborative robots weighing over 20 kg.
Whole-body force control and interaction. As the first inherently compliant humanoid capable of force-based responses across the arms, fingers, and waist without force sensors, ALLEX enables safe yet dynamic interactions with people. By minimizing the sim-to-real gap, it is optimized for machine-learning-based training and also ensures autonomy and scalability.
WIRobotics places the establishment of technical leadership in the field of general-purpose humanoid platforms as a top priority based on ALLEX. Going forward, the company will expand ALLEX into a modular platform—supplying arms, hands, body, and leader systems individually or in combination—and build a foundation for commercialization through field demonstrations in various industries.
To promote the convergence of robotics and AI, the company is building an open innovation ecosystem. WIRobotics has formed a strategic partnership with RLWRLD, a physical AI startup, to develop ALLEX's intelligence, and is collaborating with leading domestic and overseas research institutions and companies, including MIT, UIUC, UMass, KIST, and Maxon. The company plans to expand the distribution of research platforms and broaden global commercialization partnerships in stages.
"ALLEX goes beyond merely replicating human movement —it is the first robot that truly experiences and responds to the real world," said Yong-Jae Kim, Co-CEO and CTO of WIRobotics. "From day one, we've developed technology for people. Building on the wearable robotics we introduced two years ago, our goal is to deliver by 2030 a general-purpose humanoid platform that anyone can use in everyday life. We will open a new era of general-purpose robotics where precision and flexibility coexist,"
About WIRobotics
Founded in June 2021 by four former engineers from Samsung's Robotics Development Team, WIRobotics is a startup specializing in wearable and humanoid robots. Guided by the vision "Technology for People, Enhancing Quality of Life," the company aims to realize the everyday adoption of robots beyond laboratories and industrial sites. WIRobotics developed the WIBS industrial back-support robot and the WIM daily mobility-assist robot, winning CES Innovation Awards in Robotics for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025). The company established Korea's first Wearable Robot Gait Training Center and operates walking-health programs for the public. In March 2024, it raised KRW 13 billion in Series A funding to accelerate the popularization of wearable robots. Continuing R&D on safe, flexible robotic arms and hands and on bipedal locomotion, WIRobotics opened the Robot Innovation Hub in June 2024 to collaborate with research institutions in Korea and abroad.
Implements human-like whole-body force sensing and compliance across arms, fingers, and waist; introduces a new high-DOF compliant hand, a low-friction backdrivable arm, and a gravity-compensated upper body
CHEONAN, South Korea, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --Global robotics leader WIRobotics (Co-CEOs Yong-Jae Kim, Professor at KOREATECH, and Younbaek Lee) today unveiled the upper body of its first general-purpose humanoid robot, ALLEX, at the Robot Innovation Hub (RIH) located on the First Campus of the Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH).
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/qT2UZ3oN4xI?si=5im0YYNrNq8nSNr6
ALLEX stands for "ALL-EXperience." Beyond visual recognition and position control, it responds to physical stimuli such as force, contact, and impact in the real world. By delivering humanlike interaction capabilities, ALLEX sets a new standard for humanoid robots, surpassing the limitations of current robotics.
Developed with WIRobotics' proprietary mechanisms and control technologies, the newly unveiled ALLEX comprises a new high-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robotic hand that senses reaction forces like a human and yields compliantly to external loads; a highly backdrivable robot arm with more than 10 times lower friction and rotational inertia than conventional collaborative robot arms; and a upper body with a gravity compensation mechanism. With precise force control and flexible motion, ALLEX significantly expands applicability in fields that require direct interaction with people, including services, manufacturing, and household tasks.
Technical Highlights
High–DOF compliant robotic hand. A human-hand-sized end-effector with 15 DOF enables precise motions and diverse tasks. With inherent human-like compliance, it detects and responds to forces as small as 100 gf even without tactile sensors; fingertip repeatability is 0.3 mm or less. It delivers 40 N fingertip force and over 30 kg hook grip—world-class grasping performance among high-DOF, human-sized robotic hands.
New actuation and control technologies. A newly developed ultra-low-friction, high-load actuator achieves human-level adaptability and force-control performance. A motor-control algorithm integrating precise position control with force and stiffness control is applied to the actuator. Together with a gravity-compensated waist, the whole-body design enables safe interaction, high-load operation, and precision control.
Lightweight structure with high payload capacity. The hand is approximately 700 g, and the assembly from the shoulder down is about 5 kg, enabling agile, safe, and human-like motion. Across the full workspace, more than 3 kg can be handled with one hand, corresponding to the work capability of mid-size collaborative robots weighing over 20 kg.
Whole-body force control and interaction. As the first inherently compliant humanoid capable of force-based responses across the arms, fingers, and waist without force sensors, ALLEX enables safe yet dynamic interactions with people. By minimizing the sim-to-real gap, it is optimized for machine-learning-based training and also ensures autonomy and scalability.
WIRobotics places the establishment of technical leadership in the field of general-purpose humanoid platforms as a top priority based on ALLEX. Going forward, the company will expand ALLEX into a modular platform—supplying arms, hands, body, and leader systems individually or in combination—and build a foundation for commercialization through field demonstrations in various industries.
To promote the convergence of robotics and AI, the company is building an open innovation ecosystem. WIRobotics has formed a strategic partnership with RLWRLD, a physical AI startup, to develop ALLEX's intelligence, and is collaborating with leading domestic and overseas research institutions and companies, including MIT, UIUC, UMass, KIST, and Maxon. The company plans to expand the distribution of research platforms and broaden global commercialization partnerships in stages.
"ALLEX goes beyond merely replicating human movement —it is the first robot that truly experiences and responds to the real world," said Yong-Jae Kim, Co-CEO and CTO of WIRobotics. "From day one, we've developed technology for people. Building on the wearable robotics we introduced two years ago, our goal is to deliver by 2030 a general-purpose humanoid platform that anyone can use in everyday life. We will open a new era of general-purpose robotics where precision and flexibility coexist,"
About WIRobotics
Founded in June 2021 by four former engineers from Samsung's Robotics Development Team, WIRobotics is a startup specializing in wearable and humanoid robots. Guided by the vision "Technology for People, Enhancing Quality of Life," the company aims to realize the everyday adoption of robots beyond laboratories and industrial sites. WIRobotics developed the WIBS industrial back-support robot and the WIM daily mobility-assist robot, winning CES Innovation Awards in Robotics for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025). The company established Korea's first Wearable Robot Gait Training Center and operates walking-health programs for the public. In March 2024, it raised KRW 13 billion in Series A funding to accelerate the popularization of wearable robots. Continuing R&D on safe, flexible robotic arms and hands and on bipedal locomotion, WIRobotics opened the Robot Innovation Hub in June 2024 to collaborate with research institutions in Korea and abroad.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
WIRobotics Unveils 'ALLEX,' a General-Purpose Humanoid with Human-Like Responsiveness
Battle of the Purple Champions marks a milestone celebration of movement, community, and the kampong spirit as the brand reaches 150 clubs islandwide
SINGAPORE, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This 31st January 2026, OCBC Square will turn purple as Anytime Fitness, the world's largest 24-hour fitness brand, rallies Singapore to move together at its first-ever fitness festival: Battle of the Purple Champions (BOPC), powered by Skechers.
More than just a competition, BOPC is a celebration of the people and community that have powered Anytime Fitness' growth to 150 clubs across Singapore. The one-day festival embodies the brand's belief that fitness is better when experienced together, and reflects the kampong spirit that continues to unite members across neighbourhoods islandwide.
"With the opening of our 150th club, we wanted to celebrate how far we've come, and who we've built this for. Battle of the Purple Champions is our way of bringing that kampong spirit to life, uniting members and non-members alike through shared strength and purpose," says Ryan Cheal, Group Chief Operating Officer of Inspire Brands Asia, Exclusive Master Franchisee of Anytime Fitness across Singapore.
Train For Your Life: Starting the Year with Purpose
Anchored in Anytime Fitness' regional Train For Your Life campaign, BOPC invites everyone, from seasoned gym-goers to first-time movers to approach fitness with intention rather than perfection.
Designed as a powerful way to kickstart the new year, the festival encourages participants to build everyday resilience through consistency, connection, and enjoyment. Each challenge reflects real-life movements that support strength beyond the gym.
The Challenge: Four Stations, One Goal
Teams of four (2 Male & 2 Female) will tackle four functional stations inspired by real-life movement and teamwork:
- Moving Day – Teamwork meets coordination as participants rearrange furniture to match a given layout.
- Sandbag Shuffle – Lift, load and push sandbags on a "sled car" in perfect alignment.
- Bike Race – All team members ride 2km each with added resistance, synchronising pace and power.
- Champion's Climb – A stair-climbing finale with kettlebells (16kg each for female and 24kg each for male) — the ultimate test of grit and unity.
Together, the stations bring the Train For Your Life philosophy to life where fitness that prepares you for every challenge, in and out of the gym.
Beyond the Arena
Besides just being a fitness festival, it is also a vibrant and family-friendly celebration designed for everyone. Whether you are cheering from the sidelines or pushing through the fitness stations, expect exciting carnival games and delicious bites to enjoy together. From the first whistle to the final cheer, there will be complimentary refreshments sponsored by Elite Supplements will be provided for participants and spectators all day long.
The festival grounds will also feature mini fitness stations, live demonstrations, and quick-hit challenges that invite spectators to get moving alongside competitors. A curated lineup of wellness and lifestyle vendors will offer wholesome bites, recovery experiences, and interactive "fitness-for-life" activities with prizes and giveaways. Among them, Elite Supplements will host a sampling booth where visitors can try three different flavours of its products, while at the Skechers booth, attendees will be able to check out the latest Skechers Aero collection for themselves and even win prizes on-site.
All participants and spectators who sign up for an Anytime Fitness membership on event day will enjoy a sure-win lucky draw, with prizes including a 1-year Anytime Fitness membership, a Nintendo Switch, or the latest iPhone 17.
Registration Opens from 24th November 2025
- Team entry: $120 (per team of 4; 2 male & 2 females)
- Early bird: $100 for the first 20 teams
- Prizes: Prizes worth over $10,000 are up for grabs, including a cash pool of up to $7,000, along with 12-month memberships and sponsor rewards featuring Elite Supplements and Skechers. Top-performing teams will be rewarded with Elite Supplements products valued at $600 for first place, $400 for second place, and $200 for third place, while Skechers, the Official Footwear Partner, will outfit winners with four pairs of footwear for first place, performance T-shirts and bottoms for second place, and caps for third place.
Participants will receive a Champion Kit filled with goodies from sponsors - a BOPC-branded water bottle and towel, a limited-edition Comeback Apparel X BOPC tee, Elite Supplement's samples, Skechers sponsored challenge tee, headband, socks and a commemorative medal.
Come for the challenge, stay for the community, and start the year stronger, together. Because when you Train For Your Life, every rep, every stride, every drop of sweat counts.
For more information, visit https://www.anytimefitness.sg/battle-of-the-purple-champions/ or follow @afsingapore_ on Instagram.
High-res images are available here.
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About Inspire Brands Asia
Headquartered in the Philippines & Singapore, Inspire Brands Asia (IBA) is a multi-award winning consortium of Anytime Fitness Asia's top sub-master franchisees. IBA acquired the Master Franchisee licence to the nine countries and territories of Anytime Fitness in Asia in 2020 and has since then grown the network to over 550 Anytime Fitness clubs in Asia. From one gym to the largest regional network of franchisees, IBA began as a business opportunity that has since grown into a platform for changing lives.
For more information on Inspire Brands Asia and its various franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.inspirebrandsasia.com/ or email franchise@inspirebrandsasia.com.
About Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is the largest and fastest-growing fitness brand in the world, averaging 300 new clubs per year while serving over 5 million members at almost 6,000 clubs in 42 countries and territories on all seven continents.
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness delivers personalised and affordable health and wellness training, coaching, nutrition, and recovery guidance for our members – in the club, in their homes, in their pockets, wherever they are and anytime they need it. All franchised clubs are individually owned and operated, and members have access to any Anytime Fitness club worldwide. For more information, visit www.anytimefitness.com.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Anytime Fitness Singapore's Boldest Community Fitness Experience Yet
