Forerunner K1 vs 4NE-1: Specs, Price & ROS Support Compared (2024)
Kepler Robotics vs NEURA Robotics — independent, side-by-side analysis.
Quick Verdict
Forerunner K1 leads in higher payload, longer runtime, lower price, while 4NE-1 leads in more DOF. Overall, Forerunner K1 has an edge in 3 out of 4 compared categories.
Forerunner K1
Kepler Robotics
4NE-1
NEURA Robotics
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Forerunner K1 4NE-1
Specifications
$30,000Price$114,500
178 cmHeight180 cm
85 kgWeight80 kg
40DOF55
25 kgPayload15 kg
8hRuntime7h
—Speed1.39 m/s
YesStairsYes
NoLiDARNo
N/AComputeNEURA multimodal cognitive stack
Task Capabilities
✓Pick up a box from shelf✓
◔Open a door handle✓
◔Pour liquid into cup✓
◔Use a power tool◔
✕Type on keyboard◔
✓Climb stairs with load✓
◔Walk on uneven terrain◔
✕Run (>3 m/s)✕
◔Crouch under obstacle◔
◔Navigate in crowd✓
✓Recognize & locate objects✓
?Respond to voice commands✓
✓Detect humans nearby✓
✓Work 8-hour shift✓
?Hot-swap battery✓
✓Operate 24/7 (with charging)✓
✕Work in rain (IP65+)✕
?Work below 0°C?
?Work in dusty environment✕
◔Work safely alongside humans✓
Ecosystem Openness
—
Forerunner K1
/100
15
4NE-1
NEURA API. Neuraverse fleet learning. Limited public info.
Pros and cons at a glance
Forerunner K1
Pros
- Shipping to customers (verified commercial availability)
- High rated payload (25 kg) for industrial pick-and-place
- Long runtime (8h per charge) for full-shift operation
- 40 degrees of freedom — full-body articulation
Cons
- Closed software stack — no public SDK or ROS support
4NE-1
Pros
- Long runtime (7h per charge) for full-shift operation
- 55 degrees of freedom — full-body articulation
Cons
- Still in development, no commercial availability
- Closed software stack — no public SDK or ROS support
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper: Forerunner K1 or 4NE-1?
Forerunner K1 is cheaper at $30,000 vs $114,500 for 4NE-1. Note that lower price does not imply lower total cost of ownership — see the TCO calculator on the Explore page for utilisation-adjusted figures.
Which has higher payload: Forerunner K1 or 4NE-1?
Forerunner K1 rates a higher payload at 25 kg vs 15 kg. Payload ratings are vendor claims and do not always include a duty cycle — peak vs sustained payload can differ significantly.
Is Forerunner K1 or 4NE-1 actually available to buy?
Forerunner K1 is shipping to customers. 4NE-1 is in active development without commercial availability. Status reflects the vendor's published commercial position as of the last review and can change between announcement and actual delivery.
Last updated: 2024
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