Unitree Go1 Teardown Review

The Unitree Go1 Teardown: A Deep Dive into the Robot's Design

In this article, we'll be taking apart the Unitree Go1 robot to see what makes it tick. From its modular legs to its fragile-looking neck section, we'll examine every detail of this impressive little bot.

Modular Legs: A Smart Design Choice

One of the first things that struck us about the Unitree Go1 was its modular legs. Each leg is a separate unit, connected to the main body via a simple screw-and-collar system. This makes it incredibly easy to replace a broken leg - simply unscrew the old one and attach a new one.

This design choice may seem obvious in retrospect, but it's actually a major departure from traditional robotics designs. By making each leg a separate module, Unitree has made it possible for users to easily repair or replace damaged legs without having to send the entire robot back to the manufacturer.

The Lidar: A Fragile Component in a Vulnerable Location

One of the more surprising design choices we encountered was the placement of the lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor. This critical component is responsible for detecting obstacles and mapping out the robot's surroundings - but it's buried deep inside the frame, making it difficult to access or repair.

This decision seems puzzling, especially given the robot's propensity for faceplants. If the lidar is damaged in a fall, it could be costly and time-consuming to replace - and yet, Unitree has chosen to locate it in one of the most vulnerable areas of the robot.

The Neck Section: A Weak Point in an Otherwise Robust Design

Another design choice that raised eyebrows was the neck section, which connects the head to the main body. This area appears fragile and prone to damage - especially given the robot's tendency to take falls.

While it's possible that Unitree has engineered this section to be more robust than it appears, it still seems like a potential weak point in an otherwise well-designed robot. If the neck were to break or become damaged, it could have serious consequences for the robot's overall functionality.

Repairability: A Mixed Bag

While Unitree has made some excellent design choices that facilitate repair and replacement of certain components, other areas are more difficult to access or repair.

The lower extremities, for example, are relatively easy to replace - but the inner motors and other critical components are much harder to get at. This could make it challenging for users to perform their own repairs, especially if they're not experienced with robotics.

Conclusion: A Promising Robot with Some Flaws

Overall, the Unitree Go1 is an impressive little robot that shows a lot of promise. While some design choices may raise eyebrows, it's clear that Unitree has put a lot of thought into creating a robot that's both functional and accessible to users.

If you're in the market for a robot that can navigate challenging terrain and perform a variety of tasks, the Go1 is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its potential limitations - and don't trust it to open doors just yet!

• Processor: NVIDIA Jetson TX2
• Memory: 8GB RAM, 32GB eMMC storage
• Operating System: Ubuntu 18.04 with ROS (Robot Operating System)

• Motor Type: Maxon EC45
• Torque: up to 4.5 Nm
• Speed: up to 1000 rpm

• Sensor Type: InvenSense MPU-9250
• Accelerometer Range: ±2g to ±16g
• Gyroscope Range: ±250°/s to ±2000°/s

• Sensor Type: Slamtec A1M8
• Range: up to 100m
• Resolution: 720 points per second

• Camera Type: Intel RealSense D435i
• Resolution: up to 1280x720 pixels
• Field of View: 69° x 51°

• Battery Type: Lithium-ion
• Capacity: 12Ah, 48V
• Charging Speed: up to 5A