Unitree Robotics A1 Robosobak

The main articles are:

• Robots (robotics)
• Service robots

2023: Guide Dog Mode Development

At the end of October 2023, it became known about the possibility of programming the Unitree A1 robot dog in guide dog mode.

Scientists from Binghampton University in New York managed to create a guide dog regime. In standard mode, when buying, you get a robot with sensors that allow the robot to notice and avoid obstacles to the path, plan a route and navigate space - all these functions are great for a guide dog. With the help of machine learning and the creation of new software, scientists figured out how to attach a leash to a dog, and also taught the robot to turn to the sides when the leash moves.

In recent tests, the robot was able to walk a person along the corridor and at the same time responded correctly to the movements of the leash on corners in the corridor. Scientists believe this is a good start, but not the end of development.

Our next step is to add a language interface. Ideally, I would like a person to be able to talk to the robot and get help from it, depending on the situation, "Assistant Professor Shiki Jang, one of the authors of the development, commented on the tests.

One of the advantages of a robotic guide is its relative cheapness. To bring out and raise an ordinary guide dog, you need about $48 thousand. The Unitree A1 robot sells for just $1,500. Moreover, the output and training takes a long time, while a ready-made block of software and programs can be installed in the robot, and it will be ready to perform the task. Yes, a person does not pay for the whole process, but after receiving a dog, he still has to look after her and spend money on her existence. Robots do not need water, food, sleep.

Potentially, such a robot may be interested not only in blind people - scientists think that guides can be used to navigate in complex public spaces, such as large shopping centers and airports.^[1]

2021: Model A1 Specifications

Photo: unitree.com

Features of the A1 model for December 2021:

• Sport mode
• Stability
• Multi-stream AI camera
• Live HD Video Transfer
• Patented Dynamic System
• Follow-the-Person Mode
• Avoidance of obstacles
• SLAM system
• Gesture recognition
• External Library Support

The maximum speed of continuous movement outdoors is 3.3 m/s (11.88 km/h). An optimized dynamic balancing algorithm allows A1 to achieve balance quickly in various situations, such as impact or fall. The patented power system provides high performance. Real-time surface contact tracking, which provides the robot with high stability.

Characteristics:

• High-strength multifunctional housing
• The external power input is 24V. Power supplies: 5V, 12V and 19V
• External interface: 4 USB, 2 HDMI, 2 * Ethernet
• Built-in camera of RealSense technology
• Ability to map and overcome obstacles
• Built-in force sensor on each leg of ^[2] robot^[3]

Notes