Unitree’s wheeled robot dog, the Go2-W, is making waves in the robotics world by navigating challenging terrains with ease. The Chinese firm Unitree is positioning itself as a formidable competitor to US-based Boston Dynamics with this innovative update to its quadruped Go2 series.
The Go2-W is distinct from its predecessor with motorized wheels replacing traditional pads on its feet. A recent YouTube video by Unitree showcased the wheeled bot’s agility and speed, as it outraced its non-wheeled counterpart. Despite this demonstration, official specifications on Unitree’s website maintain the top speed at 5.6 mph (2.5 m/s), the same as the base Go2 model. The price of the Go2-W is anticipated to be around $2800, though official figures are yet to be released.
Seven-inch pneumatic tires on the robot are designed to lock for static actions like stair climbing. This feature enables the bot to smoothly transition from rolling to walking mode, allowing it to climb stairs, navigate challenging terrain, and even do acrobatic maneuvers like balancing on its front legs. The Go2-W’s wide-angle vision cameras and super-wide-angle lidar provide accurate obstacle identification. With strong connectivity provided by Wi-Fi, 4G, and Bluetooth, it is equipped with an octa-core processor.
The robot boasts a 15,000-mAh battery, offering up to four hours of runtime on a single charge and supports fast charging. It can carry a payload of approximately 6.6 lb (3 kg) and stands at 27.6 inches (70 cm), weighing around 40 lb (18 kg). Additional features include front lighting for nighttime operations and a voice function, akin to the natural-language GPT engine used in the non-wheeled version.
Unitree first garnered attention in June 2021 with the launch of Go1, a side-following bionic robot. The Go2 series, introduced two years later, further cemented Unitree’s reputation with its advanced capabilities, including a small blind spot and a low minimum detection distance of 0.05 meters. The Go2 can follow users closely, maintaining a presence in their peripheral vision, and offers improved positioning precision and remote control distance of over 30 meters.
Unitree’s integration of OpenAI’s GPT enables the Go2 to understand and interact with humans, enhancing its ability to assist users. The Go2 has learned advanced gaits such as upside-down walking and adaptive roll-over through extensive AI simulation training, demonstrating remarkable flexibility and stability.
The Go2 series includes several models: the Go2 Air, Go2 Pro, and Go2 Edu, priced at $1,600, $2,800, and a variable rate for the Edu model, respectively. Each model is designed to meet different user needs, making advanced robotic technology more accessible.
