Last year, Unitree, a Chinese robotics company, drew attention with their advanced robot dog featuring impressive tricks and GPT chat capabilities. This year, they have introduced an upgraded model—the Go2-W—designed to tackle various terrains with ease. Unlike traditional quadruped robots that rely on walking, the Go2-W combines wheeled mobility with the agility of its non-wheeled counterparts.
Enhanced Speed and Agility
While traditional robot dogs excel in speed and agility, they might not always be the best choice for every environment. The Go2-W offers a practical solution by incorporating wheels, making it suitable for rolling across challenging surfaces. A recent video showcased the Go2-W’s impressive performance in a sprint against its non-wheeled sibling. Despite similar top speeds—5.6 mph (2.5 m/s)—the wheeled version demonstrated enhanced manoeuvrability.
Advanced Features
The Go2-W retains many features from the original Go2 model, including a super-wide-angle LiDAR, wide-angle vision cameras, and robust connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, 4G, and Bluetooth. Powered by a 15,000-mAh battery, the robot promises up to four hours of operation per charge and supports fast charging for minimal downtime.
The most notable upgrade is the replacement of traditional jointed legs with motorized wheels fitted with 7-inch pneumatic tires. This design allows the robot to glide over flat surfaces and adjust its angle to navigate minor obstacles. When necessary, the wheels can be locked to enable walking gait for climbing stairs, overcoming hurdles, or performing acrobatic feats like balancing on its front legs.
Capabilities and Specifications
The Go2-W can carry a payload of approximately 6.6 lb (3 kg) and stands slightly taller than its predecessor at 27.6 in (70 cm), with a weight of about 40 lb (18 kg). It includes front lighting for night operations and features a voice function, likely powered by the same GPT engine found in the non-wheeled model.
Currently, Unitree has not disclosed pricing or availability for the Go2-W, but the robot’s versatility and advanced features make it a noteworthy addition to the evolving field of wheeled robotics.
