The quadruped robot market just got a new contender. Unitree has unveiled the As2, a compact industrial robot that pushes performance boundaries while keeping the company's signature focus on accessibility and developer flexibility.

What It Is

The As2 is a 18kg quadruped designed for industrial applications, research, and advanced development. It builds on Unitree's experience with the Go2 series but delivers roughly twice the dynamic performance. Maximum running speed hits 5 meters per second—roughly 18 kilometers per hour—while the top-end EDU model generates up to 90 N·m of joint torque with a 5 N·m/kg torque-to-weight ratio.

The Specs That Matter

Unitree offers three variants: Air, Pro, and EDU. The differences are meaningful. Joint torque ranges from 65 N·m in the base Air model to 90 N·m in the EDU version. Payload capacity scales accordingly: standing loads from 45kg to 65kg, continuous walking payloads from 10kg to 15kg.

Battery life is a standout. The Pro and EDU models pack a 648Wh (15,000mAh) battery delivering four hours of unloaded runtime—covering over 20 kilometers of walking. With a 15kg load, runtime still exceeds 2.5 hours and 13 kilometers. The base Air model uses a smaller battery for shorter missions.

Built for Reality

The As2 is IP54 rated, meaning it handles rain and challenging environments. It climbs 50cm vertical platforms and 40-degree slopes. Stair climbing reaches 25cm per step. Operating temperature spans -20°C to 50°C.

Brains and Sensors

All models include an 8-core CPU, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, speaker, microphone, and front light. The Pro and EDU add Unitree's ISS 3.0 Intelligent Follow System for centimeter-level positioning and autonomous following. Industrial-grade 64-to-128-line LiDAR comes standard on Pro and EDU; the Air uses Unitree's L2 sensor.

The EDU model opens the door for serious development. It supports secondary development, offers optional NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX for high-performance computing, and includes a charging dock. GPS and 4G are present but disabled by default, requiring user authorization to activate.

The Lineup

· As2 AIR: Entry-level industrial capability. 65 N·m joint torque, 45kg standing load, 2-hour runtime. Contact sales for pricing.

· As2 PRO: Mid-tier workhorse. 75 N·m torque, 55kg standing load, 4-hour runtime with full sensor suite. Contact sales.

· As2 EDU: Maximum capability for researchers and developers. 90 N·m torque, 65kg standing load, full development support. Custom industry solutions available.

Unitree continues its strategy of undercutting the established players on price while matching or exceeding specs. The As2 doesn't just compete with Boston Dynamics' Spot—it surpasses it in key metrics like runtime and torque-to-weight ratio. For industrial users, researchers, and developers, the choice in quadruped robotics just got more interesting.