Unitree A2 Stellar Explorer is a Robot Dog That’s Ready to Work

Unitree Robotics is making waves in the four-legged robot space and just released its latest creation: the A2 Stellar Explorer. This robot dog is built for tough jobs, from inspecting industrial sites to hauling gear through rough terrain.

Weighing 37kg with its dual batteries, the A2 is no featherweight but it can carry heavy loads with ease. It can support up to 100kg when stationary, enough for a person to step on its back and test its strength. On the move it can handle 25kg, as shown in a video where it hauled 30kg over 12.5km before the batteries ran out. That’s a good range for a machine meant to do real world tasks like delivering packages or scouting disaster zones. With two 9,000mAh batteries it can run for up to 5 hours unloaded or 3 hours with a full load, 20km without needing a recharge. The hot-swappable battery system means you can keep it running by swapping power packs without stopping.

Speed and agility is the A2’s game. It can hit 5m/s (11.2mph) top speed, making it one of the fastest robot dogs in its class. Watching it run down stairs or jump over rocks in Unitree’s demo video is like watching a sci-fi creature come to life. Its 12 joint motors give it a wide range of motion, each leg can move precisely and fluidly. The motors can deliver 180Nm of torque, allowing the A2 to climb 30cm steps or obstacles up to 1m high. For tougher terrain an optional wheeled configuration lets it roll smoothly on flat surfaces, but Unitree hasn’t shared details on how that affects its performance.

What keeps the A2 stable in crazy environments is its advanced sensing system. Two industrial-grade LiDAR units—one front, one rear—provide 360-degree depth perception, mapping the world around it with precision. A high-definition camera and front light help it navigate dark or complex spaces, while an AI-powered vision system enables autonomous obstacle avoidance. Whether it’s dodging debris or climbing a 45-degree slope, the A2 moves with confidence. An octa-core processor powers its brain, with an Intel Core i7 option for developers who want to push it further. Add in Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and optional 4G and GPS and you’ve got a robot that can stay connected in remote or industrial environments.

Durability is another plus for the A2. Built from aluminum alloy and high-strength plastic, it’s rated IP56 for dust and water resistance, with core components hitting IP67 for extra protection. It operates in temperatures from -20°C to 55°C, so it can handle freezing winters or scorching summers without batting an eye. The design includes practical features like USB-C ports, Gigabit Ethernet and CAN buses for connecting external devices, so it’s a great platform for custom projects. There’s even an onboard speaker and microphone array so it can interact with its surroundings, but don’t expect it to bark like a real dog.

Unitree markets the A2 for industrial use, including site inspections, logistics or emergency rescue, but its applications go further. Researchers can tap into its open development platform to experiment with new algorithms or applications. The robot supports over-the-air updates so it can stay current without needing to go back to the factory. Unitree doesn’t list a price but you have to contact sales, but their history suggests it will be more affordable than Boston Dynamics’ Spot which can cost over $75,000.
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