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China’s Unitree Robotics Debuts ‘Transformable Manned Mecha’

Credit: Unitree Robotics

Insider Brief

  • Unitree Robotics unveiled a $650,000 piloted mecha platform called the GD01 that can transform from a two-legged humanoid configuration into a four-legged quadruped system.
  • The company released video footage showing the 500-kilogram robot operating both with and without a human pilot while maneuvering through urban environments and traversing obstacles.
  • According to China Daily, the launch comes as Unitree prepares for a potential listing on Shanghai’s STAR Market, which could make it the first publicly traded humanoid robotics company on China’s A-share market.

Unitree Robotics has unveiled a $650,000 mecha that can transform from two legs to four.

“The world’s first production-ready manned mecha,” the company noted in a LinkedIn post about the 500 kg GD01, which it noted for civilian use. “It can transform.”

The Chinese robotics company posted a video along with the short announcement showing the GD01 maeuvering with and without a human operator, walking a city street set and knocking down a cinder block wall before bending backwards to become a quadruped.

According to China Daily, the launch comes as Unitree prepares for a potential listing on Shanghai’s STAR Market, which could make it the first publicly traded humanoid robotics company on China’s A-share market.

“Please everyone be sure to use the robot in a friendly and safe manner,” the company added.

Image credit: Unitree Robotics

Greg Bock
About the author
Greg Bock

Greg Bock is an award-winning investigative journalist with more than 25 years of experience in print, digital, and broadcast news. His reporting has spanned crime, politics, business and technology, earning multiple Keystone Awards and a Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters honors. Through the Associated Press and Nexstar Media Group, his coverage has reached audiences across the United States.

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