Unitree, a robotics company in Hangzhou, has built a robot dog that can carry people across rough terrain. The B2-W robot combines wheels with legs to move through places where regular vehicles can’t go.
“Riding this home for Lunar New Year would surely make me the star of the village,” commented one social media user, highlighting how this technology could change everyday transportation.
The robot weighs 75 kilograms – about as much as a large adult. It can carry up to 120 kilograms, roughly the weight of two adults. On a single battery charge, it can travel 50 kilometers while carrying 40 kilograms.
What makes this robot special is how it moves. In tests, the B2-W walked through streams, climbed waterfalls, and went up steep hills. It can even do tricks – the robot performed handstands and flips, showing its strong balance control.
Unitree Robotics (Youtube)
Robotics reviewer Xiaolan tested the B2-W firsthand. “Unitree’s B2 series robot is currently the world’s first and only robot dog designed for riding. It showcases extraordinary biomimetic performance,” they said.
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The robot uses several technologies to see and understand its surroundings. It has:
- A 32-wire automotive-grade LiDAR
- Depth cameras
- A large 2200Wh battery that powers it for long trips
The B2-W works in extreme weather. It can handle temperatures from -20°C (as cold as a freezer) to 55°C (hotter than a hot summer day). It’s also waterproof – it can work in rain and stay underwater up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
Recent tests in Antarctica proved the robot can work in harsh conditions. This makes it useful for:
- Search and rescue operations
- Carrying supplies through rough terrain
- Factory inspections
- Geological surveys
- Firefighting efforts
Unitree Robotics (Youtube)
The International Federation of Robotics says more robots will use artificial intelligence by 2025. The market for robot dogs is growing fast – experts predict it will increase by 13.2% each year until 2030.
Beyond the impressive technology, the B2-W could help solve real problems. It could help emergency teams reach people in disasters, carry equipment through construction sites, or transport supplies where regular vehicles can’t go.
The robot’s price tag of $100,000 shows it’s currently aimed at professional and industrial users. But its development points to a future where robots might help us move through difficult terrain as easily as walking down a street.
