Unitree Unveils GD01 Transformable Mecha

Chinese robotics company Unitree unveiled the GD01, described as the world's first production-ready, optionally manned transformable mecha, on Tuesday. The Hangzhou-based firm presented the machine, which stands roughly 10 feet tall and weighs 500 kilograms with a pilot aboard, as a civilian transport vehicle capable of switching between bipedal walking and quadrupedal movement.

A promotional video released by Unitree shows the GD01 carrying founder and CEO Wang Xingxing in its torso-mounted cockpit. The robot demonstrates stable upright walking, high force output by toppling a stack of bricks, and a rapid reconfiguration into a four-legged stance for traversing rough terrain. Built from high-strength alloy, it folds its legs and adjusts its center of gravity to transition modes within seconds. The cockpit features a racing-style seat within a roll cage, though the seat does not rotate during transformations.

Unitree stated the GD01 starts at 3.9 million yuan, approximately $574,000, positioning it as a high-end product beyond typical consumer reach. The company emphasized safety in its announcements, saying, "Please everyone be sure to use the robot in a friendly and safe...