Unitree will sell you a huge convertible “Mica” for $650,000

Unitree is already one of the most well-known names in the humanoid robotics industry, but now it’s pursuing an even more specialized sci-fi technology: giant mech suits. Chinese robotics company First appeared GD01which it describes as “the world’s first production-ready manned mecha,” and it can be yours for the princely sum of $650,000.

What is its purpose? Well, Unitree doesn’t really explain its intended function, but the GD01’s introductory video on YouTube gives some insight. Unitree shows it knocking over a brick wall and navigating between two-footed mode (which, to me, is similar to a Power Loader that… Ellen ripley pilots in Aliens) to a position that allows it to roam on four legs like an unsettling mechanical horse.

“It can transform. It’s a civilian vehicle. It weighs about 500 kg with you inside,” Unitree says in the video description. “Please make sure everyone is using the robot in a friendly and safe way.”

Some footage shows Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing climbing into the cockpit of the GD01, which looks like a racing-style chair surrounded by a roll cage. However, I suspect that the “passenger” he is actually seen carrying is most likely a dummy for testing purposes. It’s also unclear how the machine is actually operated, with some clips showing it can perform tasks without a person inside.

Its ability to “morph” – switching between bipedal and quadrupedal walking modes – also appears to be limited, as the sitting position does not orient itself when the robot flips over. Any passenger in this situation would find themselves either staring at the sky, or, presumably, having to get out and manually adjust the seat position.

Looks like GD01 is no joke (Wired Confirmed by Unitree) Although you could be forgiven for thinking that. I certainly did. Unitree is known for its viral video offerings Humanoid Robots G1 a job Martial arts, Back fluctuations, Play tennisAnd even Kicked the guy in the balls. The launch of the GD01 is serious enough that Unitree is asking customers to “refrain from making any dangerous modifications” or “use the robot in a dangerous manner.”