Unitree Robotics, formally known as Hangzhou Yushu Technology, is a Chinese robotics company based in Hangzhou, China. It specializes in quadruped robots aimed on individual consumers. The company was founded by Wang Xingxing in May 2016.[1]
Unitree also received backing from venture capitals such as HongShan, Matrix Partners China, and Shunwei Capital.
From 2013 Wang Xingxing developed quadrupeds during his postgraduate studies at the Shanghai University. In 2016 he developed his first quardruped device, XDog, for his master's thesis. The dog became an internet sensation which attracted buyers and investors. After he started to work at the Chinese company DJI, Wang decided to resign and start his own company, Unitree.
In 2021, Unitree released Unitree Go1, a quadruped robot similar to Boston Dynamics' Spot. It is fitted with twelve motors; each can generate a maximum torque of 23.7Nm and can spin at speeds of up to 30 rad/s (about 280 RPM).[2] According to an article by The Wall Street Journal, the Unitree robot dog can navigate to different surfaces including sand, rocks, and soil.[3]
In April 2024, Unitree released a video showcasing the humanoid robot H1.[4]
In August 2022, Unitree denies the allegations about reports of their Go1 robot being used by the Russian military.[5]
In May 2024, The Guardian reported that the Unitree Go2 robot has been used in Chinese military drills having an automatic rifle on its back. According to the newspaper, this was based on footage broadcast by the China Central Television.[6] Unitree, on the same month, stated that they do not sell their products to the People's Liberation Army (PLA).[7]