Go1

Name: Go1
Brand: Unitree Robotics

Affordable quadruped robot for education and research

Quadrupeds

$2,700 – $8,500

The Unitree Go1 is a quadruped robot dog launched in 2021 as the world's first intelligent quadruped priced under $3,000, available in Air ($2,700), Standard ($3,500), and Edu ($8,500) variants. It reaches a top speed of 17 km/h powered by a 16-core CPU and 384-core GPU (1.5 TFLOPS on Standard/Edu), with the Standard and Edu models featuring the SSS Super-Sensing System with five cameras and an ISS Intelligent Side-Following System. Designed primarily for education, research, and enthusiast applications, the Go1 has been succeeded by the Go2.

Released: 2021

Announced

Overview

The Unitree Go1 represents a breakthrough in accessible quadruped robotics, combining advanced mobility capabilities with an unprecedented price point. Launched in 2021, the Go1 was designed to democratize legged robotics by offering a platform that balances performance, durability, and affordability. With its dog-like form factor standing 400mm tall and weighing just 12kg, the Go1 demonstrates remarkable agility and stability across diverse terrains.

Built around 12 high-performance actuators providing three degrees of freedom per leg, the Go1 employs sophisticated motion control algorithms that enable dynamic gaits including trotting, walking, and running at speeds up to 3.7 m/s. The robot is available in three configurations: the Air model for basic applications, the Pro version with enhanced computational power and depth cameras, and the Edu variant featuring additional sensors and expanded SDK access for research and development.

Unitree designed the Go1 as a versatile platform suitable for multiple use cases, from robotics education and algorithm development to inspection tasks and entertainment applications. Its robust construction with IP54 protection allows operation in challenging environments, while comprehensive software support including ROS compatibility and Python SDK ensures developers can quickly implement custom behaviors and applications.

Key Features

17 km/h top speed — surpasses MIT Mini Cheetah's 3.7 m/s benchmark at a fraction of the cost
16-core CPU + 384-core GPU (1.5 TFLOPS) for real-time AI processing (Standard/Edu)
SSS Super-Sensing System: 5 cameras including fisheye stereo depth for 360° mapping (Standard/Edu)
ISS Intelligent Side-Following System using AI-based user detection (Standard/Edu)
Optional 3D LiDAR for full environmental mapping (Edu only)
23.7 Nm joint torque with patented heat pipe-assisted knee cooling
5 kg payload capacity (Standard/Edu)
User-replaceable 6,300 mAh battery with 2–3 hour runtime
Full SDK and ROS support on Edu model
God View Mode multi-camera remote monitoring

Applications

The Go1 serves a wide range of applications across education, research, and commercial sectors. In academic environments, it functions as an ideal teaching platform for robotics courses, allowing students to explore legged locomotion, sensor fusion, computer vision, and autonomous navigation without prohibitive costs. Research institutions leverage the Go1 for algorithm development in areas such as reinforcement learning, SLAM, and multi-agent coordination. Its open architecture and comprehensive SDK enable researchers to implement and test cutting-edge robotics concepts in a physical platform.

Commercially, the Go1 has found applications in inspection and monitoring tasks where wheeled robots face limitations. Its ability to navigate stairs, rough terrain, and confined spaces makes it valuable for industrial facility inspections, construction site monitoring, and security patrol applications. The entertainment and media industries have also adopted the Go1 for performances, interactive installations, and content creation, taking advantage of its dynamic movement capabilities and programmable behaviors.

Technical Highlights

The Go1's technical foundation rests on Unitree's proprietary high-torque servo motors, which deliver precise force control and rapid response times essential for dynamic quadruped locomotion. Each actuator integrates motor, driver, encoder, and reduction gearing into a compact, efficient package. The robot's motion controller implements model-based control algorithms that continuously adjust leg trajectories and body posture in response to terrain changes and external disturbances, enabling stable locomotion across uneven surfaces and recovery from perturbations.

The computing architecture varies by model, with the Pro and Edu versions featuring enhanced onboard processing powered by dedicated AI computing modules and NVIDIA Jetson platforms. These enable real-time processing of stereo vision data for depth perception and obstacle detection. The sensor suite on higher-tier models includes multiple cameras providing 150-degree field of view, ultrasonic sensors for close-range detection, and high-rate IMU data for state estimation. This combination of mechanical design, actuation technology, and intelligent control systems positions the Go1 as a capable platform for advancing quadruped robotics research and applications.