Unitree, already a household name if your household is really into humanoid robots, is now chasing an even more niche sci-fi dream: giant mech suits. The Chinese robotics company has unveiled the GD01, which it claims is “the world’s first production-ready manned mecha.” For the low, low price of $650,000, this bad boy can be yours.
What does it do? Well, Unitree isn't super clear on that. The YouTube debut video shows the GD01 knocking over a wall of cinderblocks and switching between a bipedal mode (which looks suspiciously like the Power Loader from Aliens) and a four-legged mode that resembles an unsettling mechanical horse. The video description says: “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.”
Footage shows Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing climbing into the cockpit - a racing chair inside a roll-cage - though the “passenger” seen later is likely a dummy. It's also unclear how you actually pilot the thing, since some clips show it operating without anyone inside. The “transformation” between bipedal and quadrupedal modes seems limited: the seat doesn't reorient when the bot flips over, so you'll either be staring at the sky or manually adjusting the chair.
No, this isn't a prank - Wired confirmed with Unitree. But you'd be forgiven for thinking so, given Unitree's history of viral videos showing humanoid G1 robots doing martial arts, backflips, playing tennis, and even kicking a guy in the balls. The GD01 is serious enough that Unitree is asking customers to “refrain from making any dangerous modifications” or “using the robot in a hazardous manner.” Because nothing says safety like a $650,000 mech suit.