Unitree's 40-pound robot dog hits 11 mph, carries 143 pounds

Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics has introduced the vAs2, a 40-pound (18 kg) quadruped robot designed for high speed, payload capacity, and advanced autonomous functions. The robot can run at speeds exceeding 5 meters per second (about 11 mph) and delivers up to 90 N·m of joint torque. Powered by a 648Wh lithium battery, it offers over four hours of runtime unloaded, covering more than 20 km, and maintains over 2.5 hours of operation with a 33-pound load. The vAs2 is ruggedized with an IP54 rating for dust and rain resistance and operates in temperatures from -20°C to 50°C, making it suitable for harsh industrial and outdoor environments. Mechanically, the robot features 12 degrees of freedom driven by high-speed inner rotor motors and industrial-grade bearings, achieving a torque-to-weight ratio of about 5 N·m/kg. It can climb stairs up to 25 cm, handle