The new Unitree Go2-W quadruped adds wheels to the feet, offering new types of locomotion. | Credit: Unitree
Unitree Robotics launched its latest quadruped platform, the Go2-W (“W” for wheeled). This is a variation of its low-cost Go2 quadruped. The new Go2-W features wheels instead of “paws,” giving it a unique kinematic design that makes the robot nimble, efficient on hard surfaces, and capable of some new tricks.
When operating in wheeled mode, the legs of the Go2-W function like active shock absorbers, smoothing the ride for the Go2-W body (and presumable any sensors on board).
The Go2-W shares all of the same basic specs as the Go2. This includes Unitree’s proprietary 4D LIDAR L1 with 360°x90° hemispherical ultra-wide recognition. The Go2-W is 70cm x 43cm x 50cm (27.5″ x 16.9″ x 19.7″) and weighs a svelt 18kg (39.7 lbs). The basic battery on the Go2-W is the same as the Go2, but the Go2-W includes a long endurance version at 15000 mAh.
The video below shows the Go2-W rolling on 2-4 wheels when needed. It can also walk like a typical quadruped by locking the wheels and climb over obstacles up to 70 cm (2.3 ft).
Wheels make long missions more efficient
Unitree isn’t the first quadruped to attach wheels to a quadruped. Companies like LimX and ANYbotics have each demonstrated quadrupeds with wheels. The concept of a wheeled quadruped provides a mixed-modality mobile robot that can use its wheels on hard, smooth surfaces for efficient motion. It can then switch to four-legged motion when there are obstacles (like stairs) to move through.
Unitree hasn’t shared the price of the Go2-W, but the entry-level Go2 starts at $1600 USD.
The Boston Dynamics Spot and ANYbotics ANYmal are both industrialized quadrupeds, designed to operate in extreme conditions. The ANYmal is explosion-proof and certified for operations where explosive chemicals or fumes might be present.
Unitree, Boston Dynamics, ANYbotics, and several other mobile robotics companies all signed a promise not to sell their solutions for weaponized applications in the military.
The Unitree Go2-W robot can maneuver over large obstacles. | Credit: Unitree
I thought of this 20 or more years ago. My idea included “hands” also so you could use the legs as arms with grippers when necessary. I also suggest arms and legs as interchangeable and “snap-in” for quick repair. As part of the software, a loss of a leg or hand degraded the usefulness but it could still operate. For example on 3 or even 2 legs, with or without wheels or hands. Repairs are possible by other bots. Thus, if you had 10 bots remote a mission, the failure of a leg on one might be fixed with one from a failed body. or one that does not need that part for its mission.