H2Robotic team tests the Genisom M1 quadruped on stairs, slopes, and obstacles in Pittsburgh
Team members and their Genisom M1 robot (from left: Huang Yikang, Cao Ruixiang, Yang Lexin, Mu Haoyan)
Recently, a student team from ShanghaiTech University’s School of Information Science and Technology (SIST) took second place at the IROS 2026 Legged Robot Challenges, held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, United States.
The four-member H2Robotic team, comprising Mu Haoyan, Yang Lexin, Huang Yikang, and Cao Ruixiang, competed on the Genisom M1, a wheeled-legged quadruped robot developed by GENISOM AI, under the supervision of Associate Professor Sören Schwertfeger.
The challenge features standardized tests based on quadruped-robot testing methods promoted by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The tests assess robots’ ability to navigate stairs, slopes, complex terrain, and obstacles, as well as to carry payloads and operate autonomously. Robots are encouraged to complete tasks without remote control, relying on their own environment perception, path planning, and task execution capabilities. The competition is known for its demanding course design and strict scoring criteria.
Throughout the preparation period, the team iterated on motion control algorithms and system integration, fine-tuning control strategies to achieve stable performance across multiple test events. The team thus carried out the full engineering process, from algorithm design and system integration to deployment at an international competition.
All four members are also part of ShanghaiTech’s RoboMaster Magician team, where senior students mentor junior members as they tackle real engineering challenges. Their long-term experience in robotics competitions and the team’s culture of peer mentorship provided a foundation for their performance in the challenge.