Unitree Robotics unveiled the GD01, a manned transformable mecha designed for civilian transport, in a May 12 demonstration in China. [1, 2, 3]
The Hangzhou-based company said the machine can switch between bipedal walking and a four-legged mode. Unitree also said the GD01 is the world's first mass-produced manned mech suit, calling it “the world’s first mass-produced ‘transformable mecha’.” [1, 2]
Footage released by Unitree showed chief executive Wang Xingxing piloting the GD01 during the reveal. The video showed the robot knocking over or smashing through a brick wall as part of the demonstration. [1, 3]
The robot weighs about 500 kg with a pilot on board, according to Unitree. Reports gave different price figures for the GD01, with one saying RMB 3.9 million, another 3.9 million yuan, and a third putting the starting price at $650,000. [1, 2, 3]
The report from s1 said no U.S. or U.K. distributor had been announced for the GD01. Unitree had not named any overseas sales partners in the materials cited. [1]
