The GD01 is capable of breaking through walls and transporting you like a horse.
Unitree is a well-known name in the humanoid robot industry, and now it’s diving into sci-fi territory with giant mech suits. The Chinese robotics firm has introduced the GD01, touted as “the world’s first production-ready manned mecha,” available for $650,000.
Its purpose isn’t clearly defined, but the GD01’s introductory video on YouTube gives some hints. In the video, Unitree demonstrates it toppling a wall of cinder blocks and transforming between a bipedal stance, reminiscent of the Power Loader from Aliens, and a four-legged mode like a mechanical horse.
According to Unitree in the video description, “It can transform. It’s a civilian vehicle. It weighs ~500kg with you inside. Please everyone be sure to use the robot in a friendly and safe manner.”
The video also shows Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing entering the GD01’s cockpit, which features a racing-style chair encased by a roll-cage. However, it seems the “passenger” being carried is likely a dummy for testing. It’s unknown how the mech is operated, as some clips show it functioning without a person inside.
The bot’s transformation capability — switching from bipedal to quadrupedal modes — seems limited, as the seat doesn’t adjust when the bot flips over. Passengers might need to adjust the seat manually to avoid staring at the sky.
Though it may seem like a joke, Wired confirmed with Unitree that the GD01 is genuine. Known for viral demonstrations of its humanoid G1 robots performing martial arts, backflips, playing tennis, and more, Unitree is serious about the GD01, advising against making hazardous modifications or using the robot dangerously.
Like adding a weapon to it.