You may have heard of Boston Dynamics, the company that created the famous four-legged robot Spot. Well, now there is another company that is making impressive strides in the field of quadruped robotics.
That company is Unitree, a Chinese startup that has been developing its own line of robot dogs since 2016. Unitree’s latest product is the B2, a sleek and powerful robot that can run faster, jump higher, and carry more weight than its predecessor, the B1.
The B2 robot by the numbers
The B2 is equipped with a sophisticated sensor system that allows it to perceive and navigate its environment. It has two HD optical cameras, two depth-sensing cameras, and a LiDAR module that provides it with a 360-degree view of its surroundings. It also has an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a GPS module that helps it orient itself and track its location.
Credit: Unitree
How does the B2 robot dog work?
The B2 can operate autonomously or remotely, depending on the user’s preference. It has a wireless communication module that enables it to receive commands and transmit data via Wi-Fi or 4G networks. It also has a speaker and a microphone that allow it to communicate with humans and other robots.
How is the B2 robot dog powered?
The B2 is powered by a swappable 45Ah(2250Wh), 58V lithium battery that can last for up to five hours of walking without a payload. The battery can be easily replaced by opening a hatch on the robot’s side.
Credit: Unitree
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4 reasons the B2 robot dog is better than the B1
The B2 is not just a minor upgrade from the B1. It is a significant improvement in terms of speed, agility, strength, and endurance. Here are some of the key differences between the two robots:
1) Speed
The B2 can run at a top speed of 19.7 ft per second, which is almost twice as fast as the B1’s 10.8 ft per second. The B2 is also the fastest known industrial-grade quadruped robot on the market, according to Unitree.
2) Agility
The B2 can jump a horizontal distance of 5.2 ft, which is more than double the B1’s 2.3 ft. The B2 can also step over obstacles up to 15.7 in height, which is 3.9 in higher than the B1.
3) Strength
The B2 can carry a load of up to 88 lb when walking, which is twice as much as the B1’s 44 lb. The B2 can also support up to 265 lb when standing still, which is four times as much as the B1’s 66 lb.
4) Endurance
The B2 can walk for up to five hours without a payload, which is more than double the B1’s two hours. The B2 can also walk for over four hours with a 44 lb load, which is almost twice as long as the B1’s two-and-a-half hours.
Credit: Unitree
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What are the benefits of the B2 robot dog?
The B2 is not just a cool gadget. It is a versatile robot that can perform a range of tasks and functions in various scenarios and environments. Some of the benefits of the B2 are:
Industrial automation: The B2 can help automate and optimize industrial processes, such as material handling, logistics, inspection, and maintenance. The B2 can work in harsh and hazardous conditions, such as high temperatures, dust, and radiation, where human workers may not be able to operate safely or efficiently.
Emergency rescue: The B2 can assist in emergencies, such as natural disasters, fires, and accidents. The B2 can access and explore areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans and animals, such as collapsed buildings, flooded zones, and minefields. The B2 can also carry and deliver supplies, equipment, and medical aid to the affected areas and people.
Security patrolling: The B2 can provide security and surveillance services, such as patrolling, monitoring, and alerting. With high accuracy and efficiency, the B2 can patrol and monitor large and complex areas, such as factories, warehouses, campuses, and parks. The B2 can also detect and report any abnormal or suspicious activities, such as intrusions, thefts, and vandalism.
Credit: Unitree
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How much does B2 robot dog cost?
B2 is actually an industry-end product, so the company tells us that they will provide overall solutions based on user needs, such as inspection robot dogs, firefighting robot dogs, etc., so there is no actual fixed price. Some B2 orders have already been filled and will continue in the future.
Kurt’s key takeaways
There is a new player in the game of robot dogs. It comes from Unitree, a Chinese robotics company. Their newest robot, the B2, is a beast. It can run faster, jump higher, and carry more weight than their previous robot, the B1. The B2 can do a lot of things, like helping out in factories, rescuing people in emergencies, and keeping an eye on things. The B2 really shows how far robotics have come.
How do you feel about robotic dogs like the B2 Unitree robot in terms of being comfortable around them? Do you think you will feel at ease or nervous around them? Let us know in the comments below.
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5 comments
Dad would throw away his rollator in a heartbeat tho have one of these to provide a slight assist in walking stability (add a handle), carry light packages (add basket or saddle bags), and provide a bench to rest on from time to time (add padding on top). Already including the abilities to communicate through his cellphone and report on his location and status, Dad is ready to stroke a check this afternoon.
What you describe is exactly what I want a few years from now.
Seems like I can probably have more control on a robot than a real dog….but I would have to wait and see how much of that control I can have after trying it out in a controlled environment and feel at ease with it around my family, children and friends.
A true 4 legged spy.
I, too, will be suspicious of any product like this coming from China. The CCP focuses on getting spy assets into the U.S. any way it can. This is a very good way.
If I could find an truly American made robot dog, I’d like one for my home, for security, safety purposes.