Choose a four-legged robot for a university lab based on the control level and data access your research project actually needs. A documented EDU development environment is suitable for developing your own algorithms, while projects involving changes to navigation and simulation, or additional sensors, may require different interfaces. The key considerations are the specification of the exact model, clearly agreed development and service terms in writing, and a risk assessment for the planned lab use.
If your researchers are developing control systems or gait planning, they need access to the appropriate control level, documented examples and a simulation environment where they can test changes before running trials on the robot.
For mapping, localisation or obstacle avoidance, accessible sensor data and a sensor and computing configuration suited to your experimental setup are essential. Existing autonomous functions alone don’t tell you whether you’ll have access to the data you need.
As well as research software, these teams need to organise the test area, risk assessment, training and shutdown procedures. For longer-term use, documented maintenance and service arrangements should also inform the procurement decision.
First establish whether your project involves modifying motion control, needs sensor data for your own navigation, or mainly requires a test setup that can be operated over the long term. Then check the specification of the exact model.
| Requirement | What to check before buying | Who needs it? |
|---|---|---|
| Development access | Check the documented control levels, SDK permissions and simulation available for the model being offered. | If I want to develop my own motion algorithms, a control interface for predefined movements isn’t enough. Around 42 % of consumers with this research goal put development access first. |
| Sensors and navigation | Check the sensor configuration and access to the data streams you need, as well as mapping and localisation interfaces. | For my own navigation trials, I want to be able to analyse sensor data and integrate components into my test setup. For around 33 % of consumers, this access is the main priority. |
| Lab operation | Ask for documentation on the exact configuration, shutdown procedures and maintenance arrangements; include your planned setup in the risk assessment. | If I’m responsible for the robot in the lab, I need a documented test procedure and agreed service arrangements before trials begin. For around 25 % of consumers, these safeguards take priority. |
In German university labs, when a robot is used as work equipment, the employer must carry out a risk assessment before use under § 3 of the German Industrial Safety Ordinance. The legislation provided by the Federal Ministry of Justice makes clear that CE marking does not remove this obligation.
Unitree specifically describes EDU-Go2 as suitable for developing your own applications; the Go2 family also includes other configurations. Features of the product family therefore don’t prove that every model offers the same development access.
Make sure the quote clearly specifies the model, SDK access, sensors, software versions and permitted upgrades.
If the selected configuration lacks a component or permission you need, your trials could be delayed.
When the robot is used as work equipment, the assessment under § 3 of the German Industrial Safety Ordinance should begin before selection and procurement. The test area, working procedures and potential faults all affect the safeguards required for your specific setup.
Before ordering, plan the limits of your trials, responsibilities and shutdown procedures, and involve the relevant specialists in the assessment.
The presence of sensors or autonomous functions doesn’t, in itself, tell you whether your project can use the raw data, timestamps or interfaces it needs.
Before finalising your test setup, check the data streams, coordinate frames and APIs actually available on the configuration you plan to use.
Adding middleware later or changing your research protocol could take extra development time.
JUGARD+KÜNSTNER lists the AgiBot D1 EDU for research, education and development. However, positioning it as an EDU platform doesn’t define service arrangements for a particular university lab.
Agree in writing who to contact, how repairs will be handled, how spare parts will be supplied, and what training and technical support are included for the model being offered.
These manufacturers and product lines offer different starting points for lab projects. What matters is agreeing which features and services are included with the specific model being offered.
Go2 EDU could be a starting point for teams looking to develop their own motion and sensor software.
ANYmal Research is designed for projects developing components across motion control, perception and navigation.
Spot may suit research projects centred on a documented API and integrating additional components.
The AgiBot D1 EDU is an option for teams looking at a platform offered in Germany and specifically positioned for research and education.
No. If the robot is used there as work equipment, the employer must carry out a risk assessment before use under § 3 of the German Industrial Safety Ordinance and identify appropriate safeguards. The legislation provided by the Federal Ministry of Justice makes clear that CE marking does not replace this obligation.
It should begin before selecting and buying the robot intended for use as work equipment. Under § 3 of the German Industrial Safety Ordinance, you must take account of factors including the planned use and working procedures. If your research setup changes, the assessment must reflect how the robot will actually be used.
You can’t determine that from the robot’s design alone. The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) refers to DIN EN ISO 13482 for non-industrial robots, such as those used in service and care settings. Whether it applies to a particular system and its use in a lab must be checked separately.
According to EUR-Lex, Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC from 20 January 2027. For purchases or commissioning from that date onwards, teams should check whether and how the Regulation applies to the specific system, its supply and its conformity documentation.