Unitree has unveiled A2: a robot dog with AI, 3D LIDAR and speeds of up to 5 metres per second
Chinese company Unitree Robotics has unveiled a new four-legged robot called Unitree A2, and it looks like it just escaped from the set of Black Mirror. The demo video instantly went viral, and the stock market experienced a micro boom: shares of Chinese robotics companies went up immediately after the publication.
Here's What We Know
Unitree A2 is a "next-generation mechanical dog" that can accelerate up to 3.7 m/s to 5 m/s, jump, balance, move backwards and even jump over obstacles. All of this is powered by 12 motors that provide manoeuvrability and stability, as well as artificial intelligence that controls its reactions in real time.
The A2's main draw is its in-built 3D LIDAR and HD camera, allowing the robopod to "see" around itself, recognise objects and choose movement trajectories without external control.
According to Unitree's press release, the A2 isn't just for show - it's designed for research, search and rescue, and autonomous security or logistics. The unit weighs 31kg, Unloaded: >5 hours of continuous walking, approximately 20km, with a 25kg load: >3 hours of continuous walking, approximately 12.5km.
Unitree A2 key features:
- Maximum speed: 3.7 m/s - 5 m/s when equipped with wheels (optional)
- 12 new generation motors
- 3D LIDAR + HD camera
- Interfaces: RS485 x 2, CAN x 2, Gigabit Ethernet x 2, USB3.0 Type-C x2
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
- Autonomy: up to 5 hours
- Weight: 31kg / 37kg (with battery)
- AI control, driving on challenging routes
- Modes: run, jump, reverse, balance, obstacle avoidance
Source: Unitree
