Choosing a Unitree quadruped for industrial inspection between the AS2, Go2 and B2 depends on the route, not on power. The criterion is the complete route with the sensors fitted, in the real environment and with the runtime you need.
For sensors and ATEX limits, see the article on quadrupeds for industrial inspection.
Unitree industrial inspection quadruped: the three criteria that matter
The first criterion is the environment: water, dust, temperatures and classified zones. The second is the real payload: sensors, mounts, gimbals and cabling. The third is the length of the route and whether you can change the battery or recharge. Ask for the payload while walking continuously with the battery you have chosen, not the maximum standing still.
AS2, Go2 and B2: the specifications that decide
Data from the official Unitree spec sheets, with the versions indicated. Runtimes are laboratory figures and change with terrain, payload and temperature.
| Specification | Go2 (Air, Pro, X, EDU) | AS2 (Air, Pro, X, EDU) | B2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight with battery | approx. 15 kg | approx. 20 kg | approx. 60 kg |
| Ingress protection | not declared | IP54 on Pro, X and EDU; not declared on Air | IP67 |
| Payload while walking continuously | approx. 7-8 kg (maximum 10-12 kg depending on version) | 10 kg Air, 13 kg Pro, 15 kg X and EDU | over 40 kg |
| Payload standing still | not declared | 45 kg Air, 55 kg Pro, 65 kg X and EDU | at least 120 kg |
| Runtime without payload | 1-2 h on Air, Pro and X; 2-4 h on EDU | approx. 2 h on Air; approx. 4 h on Pro, X and EDU | over 5 h |
| Runtime with payload | not declared | over 1.5 h with 10 kg on Air; over 2.5 h with 13-15 kg on the others | over 4 h with 20 kg |
| Operating temperature | not declared | -20 to 50 °C on Air and Pro; -20 to 55 °C on X and EDU | -20 to 55 °C |
| Main sensors | 4D L2 LiDAR, HD camera, depth camera only on EDU | L2 LiDAR on Air, 64-128 line industrial LiDAR on Pro, X and EDU | 32-channel 3D LiDAR, 2 depth cameras, 2 optical cameras |
| Custom software development (SDK) | EDU; X with partial support | X and EDU | yes, with a dedicated Intel Core i7 board |
Prices and configurations from the Abra end-user price list, excluding VAT. Shipping is quoted in the offer; VAT and duties are described on the country page. AS2 Pro and AS2-W do not appear in the end-user price list.
Go2: when it is enough for an inspection
The Go2 weighs about 15 kg, carries the 4D L2 LiDAR and an HD camera and, in the Pro, X and EDU versions, adds 4G with GPS. It does not, however, declare an IP rating or an operating temperature. It is fine for corridors, dry machine rooms, laboratories and site visits with light sensors. It is not suitable for yards, wash-down areas, rain or heavy dust.
The version matters more than the family. The Go2 EDU is the only model in the classic Go2 range with a full SDK, a depth camera, foot force sensors and a 15000 mAh battery for 2-4 hours. The Go2 Pro is driven with the app and remote control, has 4G and GPS but cannot be programmed. The Go2 Air is the base model for demos and teaching, with 1-2 hours of runtime. The Go2-W adds 7-inch wheels, weighs about 18 kg, carries about 8 kg, declares 1.5-3 hours and supports custom software development (SDK); it also has no declared IP rating.
If the specification calls for IP protection or a minimum temperature, the Go2 must be ruled out whatever the price. If the route is indoors and the sensors weigh less than 8 kg, the Go2 EDU is the version with a full SDK to produce your own data and reports.
AS2: the choice for indoor and light outdoor use
The AS2 sits between the Go2 and the B2: about 20 kg, 12 degrees of freedom, 95 N·m of peak torque on X and EDU. Protection is IP54 on Pro, X and EDU, while the Air has no declared IP rating. Payload while walking ranges from 10 kg on the Air to 15 kg on X and EDU; runtime ranges from about 2 hours on the Air to about 4 hours on the others, with over 2.5 hours and 13 km carrying 13-15 kg.
The versions break down like this. The AS2 Air is for demos and light indoor inspections: L2 LiDAR, 8000 mAh battery, no SDK. The AS2 Pro is for surveillance and inspection with the app: IP54, 64-128 line industrial LiDAR, GPS and 4G, but no SDK. The AS2 X is the version with the SDK: 15 kg payload, IP54, without the charging base. The AS2 EDU adds the charging base and support for an optional compute dock, for example NVIDIA Orin NX.
Between AS2 Pro and AS2 X/EDU the declared maximum temperature changes: 50 °C for the Pro, 55 °C for X and EDU. For a hot plant or a roof exposed to summer sun, this figure can decide the version. The AS2 guide goes into the versions and prices in detail; the AS2-W is the wheeled variant, with 16 kg payload, 3 hours and 30 km without payload, still IP54 and with SDK.
B2: when you need IP67 and 40 kg
The B2 is the industrial size: about 60 kg, over 40 kg payload while walking, at least 120 kg standing still, IP67, -20 to 55 °C. The 45 Ah (2250 Wh) battery declares 4-6 hours, over 5 hours and 20 km without payload, over 4 hours and 15 km with 20 kg. It clears obstacles up to 40 cm, steps of 20-25 cm and slopes over 45°. It carries a 32-channel 3D LiDAR, two depth cameras and two optical cameras; the Intel Core i7 board is dedicated to development.
The B2 makes sense when the payload exceeds the 15 kg of the AS2, when the route crosses puddles, mud or flooded sections, or when you need long shifts with a swappable battery. The battery is quick-release and autonomous charging is optional. The B2-W is the wheeled variant; the top price in the family, €104,182.33, is the B2-W configuration with the basic SLAM kit.
The B2 is not the right choice for an office or a laboratory: 60 kg and 1098 × 450 × 645 mm standing require space, ramps and a handling plan. The B2 is chosen for the environment, not for the budget.
Payload is the constraint that decides
The catalogue figure is not enough. Payload while walking includes the sensor, mount, gimbal, cabling and radio. A sensor mounted on a long arm also counts for the moment it generates, not just for its kilograms. Before choosing, do the real sum.
Example with hypothetical figures: thermal camera 1.2 kg, gimbal 0.9 kg, mount and cables 1.6 kg, gas module 0.8 kg, radio 0.4 kg. Total 4.9 kg, plus a margin for vibration and fixings. At 6 kg the Go2 EDU has little margin, the AS2 X/EDU has room, the B2 has plenty. If the package reaches 15 kg, the AS2 X/EDU is at its limit; above 15 kg, the B2 is the only one of the three left.
Runtime: count the routes, not the spec sheet
An inspection route is not an hour of walking: it includes stops, sensors switched on, climbs and temperatures. Start from the runtime with payload and leave a 20-30% margin so you do not come back with a flat battery. Then divide by the length of the route.
Example with hypothetical figures: 2.5 hours declared with 15 kg, 2 usable hours, 40 minutes per route. That is three routes per charge. If the shift needs six, you need a second battery or a charging base. The AS2 EDU includes the charging base; on the B2 autonomous charging is optional and the battery is quick-release; on the Go2 the base is compatible with the X and EDU versions.
Sensors and software: what changes between the three families
The Go2 focuses on the 4D L2 LiDAR with a 360° × 96° field of view and the HD camera; depth and foot force sensors come only with the EDU. The AS2 carries the L2 LiDAR on the Air and a 64-128 line industrial LiDAR on Pro, X and EDU. The B2 adds a 32-channel 3D LiDAR, two depth cameras and two optical cameras.
For thermal inspection the price list includes a remote control with screen and dual-spectrum gimbal for the Go2 and Go2-W, with a 640×512 thermal camera; for the B2 there is a SLAM LiDAR kit with Intel Core i7.
If the data must feed into your own system, you need a version with the SDK: the Go2 EDU, Go2-W, AS2 X/EDU and B2 support it; the Go2 X only partially. The Go2 Air, Go2 Pro, AS2 Air and AS2 Pro do not.
Temperature and protection in the specification
The Go2 does not declare an operating temperature. The AS2 declares -20 to 50 °C on Air and Pro, -20 to 55 °C on X and EDU; the B2 -20 to 55 °C. Above 50 °C the AS2 Pro is not declared and for the Go2 the figure is missing; below -20 °C none of the three declares operation.
Under IEC 60529, IP54 protects against dust and splashes, not jets or immersion; IP67 resists dust and temporary immersion. For puddles or flooded sections you need the B2. For areas with an explosive atmosphere, the standard AS2, Go2 and B2 do not declare ATEX; Unitree has a B2-Ex variant (Ex db mb IIB T4 Gb, IP66), outside this comparison and not in the end-user price list.
General information, not legal advice. Zone classification and equipment selection are the responsibility of the employer and its technical staff.
How to write the tender specification
- Environment: indoor or outdoor, rain, jets, dust, mud, minimum and maximum temperature.
- Route: metres per day, stairs, slopes, obstacles, people.
- Payload: sensors, mounts, gimbals, cables and a 20% margin.
- Runtime: length of the route, routes per shift, recharging or battery changes.
- Data and software: format, destination, SDK or ROS 2, who integrates.
- Service: spare batteries, charger, base, documentation and training.
In the quote, list the robot, sensors, mounts, batteries and services separately: that way you can compare different offers without confusing the price of the robot with the price of the configuration.
How much does a Unitree quadruped for inspection cost
In the Abra Robotics end-user price list, excluding VAT: the Go2 family runs from €2,576.19 to €38,738.22, the AS2 family from €5,400 to €21,276.67, the B2 family from €66,827.62 to €104,182.33. All quadrupeds in the price list run from €2,576.19 to €104,182.33. The top figures are the Go2-W Inspection, the AS2 EDU Ultimate and the B2-W with the basic SLAM kit.
These are robot prices in the base configurations: sensors, batteries, chargers, LiDAR kits and gimbals are added. The Go2-W Inspection includes LiDAR and gimbal; the SLAM kits for the B2 and B2-W include the LiDAR. A quote needs the route, payload and software. Abra Robotics supplies the Unitree range in the United Kingdom, Ireland and internationally, with support in English, and prepares the quote. Tax reliefs and funding programmes that may apply are listed under incentives.
Frequently asked questions
Which Unitree quadruped should I choose for inspection?
It depends on the environment and the payload: Go2 for dry indoor spaces and light sensors, AS2 for routes with dust and splashes (IP54), B2 for water, mud and payloads over 40 kg (IP67). If the site is an ATEX zone, the standard AS2, Go2 and B2 versions do not declare certification.
How much does a Unitree quadruped for inspection cost?
In the price list, excluding VAT: Go2 from €2,576.19 to €38,738.22, AS2 from €5,400 to €21,276.67, B2 from €66,827.62 to €104,182.33. These are robot prices in the base configurations; sensors and accessories are quoted separately, except for the configurations that include them.
Is the Go2 suitable for industrial inspection?
Only in dry, low-dust environments: Unitree declares neither an IP rating nor an operating temperature. For a plant with water, dust or long shifts, the AS2 or B2 is better.
What is the difference between AS2 X and AS2 EDU for inspection?
The X has the SDK and 15 kg payload but not the charging base; the EDU adds the charging base and support for an optional compute dock. Both are IP54 and declare -20 to 55 °C.
How much does the B2 weigh and how much can it carry?
The B2 weighs about 60 kg with the battery and carries over 40 kg while walking continuously; standing still it declares at least 120 kg. The 2250 Wh battery gives 4-6 hours of runtime according to Unitree.
Can the Go2 be programmed with the SDK?
In the classic Go2 range the EDU is the only version with a full SDK; the X has partial support, while the Air and Pro cannot be programmed. The Go2-W, the wheeled model, supports custom software development (SDK).
Sources
- Unitree, As2, spec sheet and parameter table for the Air, Pro, X and EDU versions
- Unitree, As2-W, specifications of the wheeled variant
- Unitree, Go2, specifications and parameter table for the Air, Pro, X and EDU versions
- Unitree, B2, specifications of the IP67 industrial quadruped
- Unitree, Intelligent Inspection Solution (B2, B2-Ex, A2 and As2 platforms for inspection)
- Unitree, B2-Ex, specifications of the explosion-proof variant
- Unitree, Go2-W, specifications of the wheeled variant
- IEC, IEC 60529, degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
- Prices: Abra Robotics public price list, excluding VAT; shipping is quoted in the offer, and import VAT and duties are described on the country page.