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| Unitree Go1..a four-legged robot at $2,700 |
Boston Dynamics isn't the only company that makes four-legged robots, as the Chinese company Unitree Robotics has been in the field for many years.
Unitree Robotics announced its latest innovation this week: the Unitree Go1, an extremely affordable four-legged robot starting at just $2,700.
In return, Boston Dynamics' instant robot sells for $74,500.
A demonstration video shows that he has some useful tasks to do, such as running with someone and carrying a water bottle.
The robotics industry is still looking for the best uses for this type of machine. Positional robots are currently being tested in areas such as industrial inspections and police intelligence.
However, Unitree Robotics hopes to make four-legged robots as cheap and popular as smartphones and drones.
The company provides the basic specifications of the robot on its website, and Unitree Go1 has three versions:
First up, Unittree Go1 Air, $2,700.
Second, Unittree Go1 $3,500.
Third, Unittree Go1 Edu $8,500.
Unitree Go1 robot:
Each weighs about 12 kg, and more expensive models have more processors and sensors.
Obviously, Unitree Go1 Edu is the only version that has an undefined API.
Unitree Go1 Edu provides advanced calculations at the highest level, payload up to 2kg (up to 5kg), pedal force sensor and lidar.
Automatic tracking and obstacle avoidance seem to be the norm. Only the most expensive models can reach a maximum speed of 17 kilometers per hour.
Additionally, Unittree Robotics did not mention battery life because battery life is such a big issue.
The video appears to suggest that the robot can travel an average of 3 kilometers in 20 minutes, then go to the grocery store and have a picnic while avoiding obstacles and continuing to carry people.
However, Spot's battery capacity is sufficient for 90 minutes. Unitree Robotics has a mode called Company All Day.
This technology shows that four-legged robots can quickly turn exotic objects into consumer goods. But the real question is whether it works for us.