Unitree Robotics, a Chinese robotics company, is aiming to rival Boston Dynamics’ Spot. In just a few years, the company has made remarkable progress. However, it’s important to note that Unitree is not responsible for the fire-spewing robot dog and the assault rifle-toting robot dog. They were somebody else’s handiwork using Unitree’s platform, showing us the dark side of such developments.
Unitree started almost as innocent as any human lifeform. They started to create consumer robot dogs for education and fun, and then they progressed to making faster and more advanced models for industrial applications. The B2 you see here is a recently launched industrial quadruped robot that marks a significant advancement in the field.
The B2, an upgrade from its predecessor B1, boasts remarkable improvements in load capacity, range, motion capability, and speed, making it 2 to 3 times more efficient than existing quadruped robots. It stands out as the fastest industrial-grade quadruped robot, with a top speed of over 6 m/s (20 ft/s or about 13 mph) and a maximum jumping distance of 1.6 m (5.2 feet), enhancing its operational efficiency in various industries.
The B2’s load capacity has notably increased, with a maximum standing load of 120 kg (265 lbs) and a continuous walking load of over 40 kg (88 lbs), enhancing its endurance and mileage significantly. Its joint performance has also seen a 170% increase, providing an impressive 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of peak torque for greater flexibility and stability in industrial operations. The robot is adept at navigating diverse environments, thanks to its excellent obstacle-crossing ability and all-terrain adaptability.
In terms of perception, the B2 has been upgraded to work with various sensors like 3D LIDAR, depth cameras, and optical cameras, improving its ability to understand and adapt to surroundings. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including industrial automation, power inspection, emergency rescue, and education.
The release of the B2 underscores Unitree’s commitment to advancing robotics technology and its application in the industrial sector, positioning the company as a leader in the field. The B2’s versatility and high performance are expected to significantly improve work efficiency, reduce labor costs, and lower risks in various industries.
You may learn more about the new Unitree B2 Industrial Quadruped Robot HERE.
Images: Unitree.
