Chinese robotics agency Unitree Robotics has launched the As2, a brand new quadruped robotic designed to mix industrial-grade power with superior AI.
The firm says the machine is constructed for real-world environments, providing a mixture of pace, payload capability, and autonomous options. The As2 arrives as the most recent entry in Unitree’s rising lineup of robotic canines, however this one pushes efficiency additional with increased torque, longer runtime, and expanded developer instruments.
Weighing about 18 kg with its battery, the As2 delivers as much as 90 N·m of most joint torque in its highest configuration. That energy permits the robotic to achieve speeds of greater than 5 m/s (round 11 mph) underneath no-load situations.
Unitree says the robotic’s torque-to-weight ratio stands at roughly 5 N·m/kg, giving it the power to maneuver rapidly whereas sustaining steadiness. The quadruped can climb stairs as much as 25 cm excessive, deal with slopes of about 40 levels, and even mount vertical platforms as tall as 50 cm, relying on the model.
The As2 is available in three configurations (Air, Pro, and Edu) with various efficiency ranges. The Edu mannequin provides the very best torque and pace, although peak pace can solely be sustained briefly.
Beyond pace, payload is a key promoting level. When standing nonetheless, the Edu variant can assist as much as 65 kg. During steady strolling, the utmost load drops to about 15 kg, relying on the mannequin. Lower-tier variations carry much less, however nonetheless supply notable capability for a machine of this measurement.
Battery life additionally differs by configuration. The Pro and Edu fashions use a 15,000mAh (648Wh) battery, providing greater than 4 hours of runtime when unloaded and a strolling vary exceeding 20 kilometers in laboratory situations. With load, the runtime falls to round 2.5 hours and roughly 13 kilometers of vary. The Air mannequin makes use of a smaller 8,000mAh battery with shorter endurance.
Designed for harsh situations
The As2 is rated IP54, which means it’s proof against mud and rain. It is constructed to function in temperatures starting from -20°C to 50°C, making it appropriate for outside and industrial settings.
The robotic’s body combines aluminum and high-strength plastic. Each leg options a number of levels of freedom, powered by low-inertia everlasting magnet synchronous motors. Industrial-grade bearings are built-in for precision and cargo capability.
AI mind and good following
At its core, the As2 runs on an 8-core CPU. Higher-end variations embody the corporate’s ISS 3.0 Intelligent Follow System, which allows centimeter-level positioning for side-following and monitoring.
The Pro and Edu variants additionally combine industrial-grade LiDAR methods, whereas the Air model makes use of Unitree’s L2 ultra-wide-angle LiDAR. GPS and 4G connectivity are included however disabled by default and require person authorization.
For builders, the Edu mannequin helps secondary improvement and provides optionally available growth with an Nvidia Jetson Orin NX module. Unitree says the open platform permits assist for big AI fashions, enabling embodied AI interplay and autonomous decision-making.
Connectivity choices embody Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Gigabit Ethernet, SBUS, together with a speaker, microphone, HD digital camera, and entrance mild throughout all variations.
Availability and pricing
Unitree has not publicly disclosed pricing for any As2 variant. All fashions are listed as “Contact Sales” on the corporate’s web site. Warranty protection spans six months for the Air mannequin and 12 months for Pro and Edu variations. A charging dock is accessible for the Edu configuration.
The firm notes in its documentation that information “was obtained under laboratory conditions,” including “actual performance may vary based on usage conditions.” Unitree additionally cautions…
