Around this time last year, robotics company Unitree captivated the tech world with its $1,600 second-generation robot dog, renowned for its impressive tricks and advanced capabilities. Now, Unitree has unveiled an all-terrain upgrade that promises even more versatility and robotics innovation.
While robot quadrupeds are fast, agile, and endearing, their four-legged design isn’t always ideal for every scenario. Sometimes, wheels are more practical, as demonstrated by the likes of the Swiss-Mile Robot and the W1. Unitree has now embraced this innovative trend with the introduction of the Go2-W.
The new wheeled bot, showcased in the video below, displays a more assertive demeanor compared to its non-wheeled predecessor. It even seems to outpace the original Go2 in a direct sprint, although both models share a top speed of 5.6 mph (2.5 m/s).
Unitree Go2 New Upgrade
The Go2-W retains the advanced features of the original Go2, including super-wide-angle LiDAR and wide-angle vision cameras in its sensor suite, octa-core processing, and connectivity options like Wi-Fi, 4G, and Bluetooth. Its 15,000-mAh battery provides up to four hours of operation per charge, with fast-charging capabilities to minimize downtime.
The key upgrade lies in its mobility. Each leg now ends in a motorized wheel with a 7-inch pneumatic tire, allowing the Go2-W to smoothly navigate flat surfaces and adjust for minor obstacles. The wheels can lock, enabling the bot to switch to a walking gait for tackling more challenging terrain, climbing stairs, overcoming obstacles, or performing acrobatic feats like balancing on its front legs.
Category | Specifications |
Mechanical Specifications | Dimension of standing: 70cm x 43cm x 50cm Weight (with battery): About 18kg |
Electron Parameter | Voltage: 33.6V Payload: About 3kg Speed: 0-2.5m/s |
Performance Parameters | Max Climb Drop Height: < 70cm Max Climb Angle: 35° Basic Computing Power: 8-core High-performance CPU |
Joint Parameters | Aluminum knee joint motor: 16 Max Joint Torque: About 45N.m Tyres: 7 Inch Pneumatic Tire |
Sensor Parameters | Super-wide-angle 3D LiDAR HD Wide-angle Camera |
Feature List | Basic Action Upgraded Intelligent OTA APP Support Manual controller Front Lighting Lamp WIFI & 4G & Bluetooth Voice Function Secondary development |
Accessories | Expansion Module: Standard 100Tops arithmetic module (Orin NX) Battery Type: Long endurance (15000mAh) Endurance: 2-4h Charger: Fast charge (33.6V 9A) Warranty Period: 12 months |
This versatile robodog can carry a payload of around 6.6 lb (3 kg), stands taller than the Go2 at 27.6 inches (70 cm), and weighs approximately 40 lb (18 kg). It also features front lighting for nighttime operations and a voice function, likely powered by the same natural-language GPT engine found in the non-wheeled model.
With these enhancements, Unitree's Go2-W represents a significant leap forward in the field of robotics, combining the agility of a quadruped with the versatility of a wheeled vehicle.