Quadruped Robotics Advances: Energy‑Saving 3D‑Printed Feet and Unitree’s Hybrid Wheel‑Leg Robot

Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology in South Korea have created lightweight, porous 3D‑printed robot feet that cut battery consumption by up to 6.2% in four‑legged machines. The diamond‑shaped foot design combines flexibility, strength and energy recovery, and deep‑reinforcement‑learning control lets the robot adapt its gait to maximise efficiency.

Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics unveiled the As2‑W hybrid quadruped, which adds an independently powered wheel to each leg. Weighing 25 kg, the robot can reach 22 km/h, carry a 16 kg payload while walking, and support a static load of 150 kg. It can climb stairs, traverse 80 cm obstacles and handle 45° slopes, making it suitable for industrial inspections and civilian tasks.