Go1

Name: Go1
Brand: Unitree Robotics

Affordable quadruped robot for education and research

$2,700 – $8,500

The Unitree Go1 is a compact quadruped robot designed to make advanced robotics accessible to developers, researchers, and educators. Featuring 12 degrees of freedom, proprietary motor control, and multiple sensor configurations, it offers robust mobility across various terrains. Available in three versions (Air, Pro, and Edu), the Go1 targets academic institutions, robotics enthusiasts, and commercial applications requiring agile four-legged locomotion.

Released: 2021

Overview

The Unitree Go1 represents a breakthrough in accessible quadruped robotics, combining advanced mobility capabilities with an unprecedented price point. Launched in 2021, the Go1 was designed to democratize legged robotics by offering a platform that balances performance, durability, and affordability. With its dog-like form factor standing 400mm tall and weighing just 12kg, the Go1 demonstrates remarkable agility and stability across diverse terrains.

Built around 12 high-performance actuators providing three degrees of freedom per leg, the Go1 employs sophisticated motion control algorithms that enable dynamic gaits including trotting, walking, and running at speeds up to 3.7 m/s. The robot is available in three configurations: the Air model for basic applications, the Pro version with enhanced computational power and depth cameras, and the Edu variant featuring additional sensors and expanded SDK access for research and development.

Unitree designed the Go1 as a versatile platform suitable for multiple use cases, from robotics education and algorithm development to inspection tasks and entertainment applications. Its robust construction with IP54 protection allows operation in challenging environments, while comprehensive software support including ROS compatibility and Python SDK ensures developers can quickly implement custom behaviors and applications.

Key Features

12 Degrees of Freedom: Three actuators per leg providing exceptional mobility and stability across varied terrain
Multiple Configurations: Available in Air, Pro, and Edu versions with progressively advanced sensors and computational capabilities
High-Speed Locomotion: Capable of running at speeds up to 3.7 m/s with dynamic gait transitions
Advanced Sensing Suite: Equipped with stereo depth cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and IMU for navigation and obstacle avoidance (Pro/Edu models)
Robust Construction: IP54-rated weatherproofing enables outdoor operation in diverse environmental conditions
Developer-Friendly Platform: Full ROS support, Python SDK, and comprehensive API documentation for rapid development
Extended Runtime: Up to 60 minutes of continuous operation on a single battery charge
Compact and Portable: 12kg weight and compact dimensions make it easy to transport and deploy

Applications

The Go1 serves a wide range of applications across education, research, and commercial sectors. In academic environments, it functions as an ideal teaching platform for robotics courses, allowing students to explore legged locomotion, sensor fusion, computer vision, and autonomous navigation without prohibitive costs. Research institutions leverage the Go1 for algorithm development in areas such as reinforcement learning, SLAM, and multi-agent coordination. Its open architecture and comprehensive SDK enable researchers to implement and test cutting-edge robotics concepts in a physical platform.

Commercially, the Go1 has found applications in inspection and monitoring tasks where wheeled robots face limitations. Its ability to navigate stairs, rough terrain, and confined spaces makes it valuable for industrial facility inspections, construction site monitoring, and security patrol applications. The entertainment and media industries have also adopted the Go1 for performances, interactive installations, and content creation, taking advantage of its dynamic movement capabilities and programmable behaviors.

Technical Highlights

The Go1's technical foundation rests on Unitree's proprietary high-torque servo motors, which deliver precise force control and rapid response times essential for dynamic quadruped locomotion. Each actuator integrates motor, driver, encoder, and reduction gearing into a compact, efficient package. The robot's motion controller implements model-based control algorithms that continuously adjust leg trajectories and body posture in response to terrain changes and external disturbances, enabling stable locomotion across uneven surfaces and recovery from perturbations.

The computing architecture varies by model, with the Pro and Edu versions featuring enhanced onboard processing powered by dedicated AI computing modules and NVIDIA Jetson platforms. These enable real-time processing of stereo vision data for depth perception and obstacle detection. The sensor suite on higher-tier models includes multiple cameras providing 150-degree field of view, ultrasonic sensors for close-range detection, and high-rate IMU data for state estimation. This combination of mechanical design, actuation technology, and intelligent control systems positions the Go1 as a capable platform for advancing quadruped robotics research and applications.