If your university or laboratory project needs custom control software, sensor data or additional hardware, choose a development platform rather than a robot designed purely for demonstrations. Unitree documents an SDK- and ROS 2-based development route for Go2; Spot offers a documented payload architecture, while ANYmal Research provides access to control software and simulation. What matters in each case is which interfaces, components and usage rights are agreed for the specific version on offer.
If you’re developing your own navigation, perception or motion logic, you’ll need access to the relevant control and sensor data. Unitree’s documentation describes Go2 SDK functions and ROS 2-based communication. Access must be suitable for both the version on offer and your team’s development environment.
If you plan to use additional cameras, measuring systems or computers, you’ll need to consider mounting, power supply, data connections and software integration together. RWTH Aachen describes the integration of different sensors and measuring systems as an application for a modular robot dog platform.
For teaching and student projects, commissioning, training and ongoing supervision need to be organised beyond individual experiments. If an employer in Germany uses the robot as work equipment, the risk assessment required under § 3 BetrSichV must begin before selection and procurement.
First, clarify what your team wants to develop itself: software, a sensor setup or, above all, a teaching activity that can be run reliably. Then compare only the versions and packages that actually provide the access you need.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| SDK and ROS 2 | Which control and sensor data APIs are accessible for the specific version? Are the ROS 2 packages provided compatible with your laboratory environment? | If we’re developing our own navigation or control systems, a demonstration controller isn’t enough. For around 42% of consumers, this development access is the top priority. |
| Sensors and payloads | Check mounting and permitted payload for your planned setup, along with the power supply and data connections. | We need to be able to mount and power our measuring equipment, and integrate it into our data processing. Around 33% of consumers put this integration first. |
| Laboratory use and support | Clarify who is responsible for commissioning and training, as well as the repair process, spare parts and agreed support. | With project groups that change regularly, we want to repeat experiments safely and have a plan for handling equipment failures. This is the top requirement for around 25% of consumers. |
Unitree offers several Go2 configurations. With Spot, too, there’s a difference between payloads that are mechanically mounted and equipment that’s also integrated into the robot’s software.
List the model, package contents, SDK and ROS access, sensor access, payload interfaces and usage rights individually in the quotation.
An expansion dock, computer or integration work may also be needed if your planned setup relies on these components.
A weight figure doesn’t tell you how sensors can be mounted, powered or integrated in software. Unitree and Boston Dynamics’ payload documentation describes different interfaces for this purpose.
For every device you plan to use, make a list of its weight, centre of gravity, mounting requirements, power consumption, connections and required drivers.
Custom mounts, cables or voltage converters can make setup and testing more involved.
If an employer in Germany uses the robot as work equipment, CE marking does not remove the requirement for a risk assessment under § 3 BetrSichV.
Start the assessment before selection and procurement. Consider the planned test area, work procedures, people nearby and potential malfunctions. Seek expert support if needed.
Terra Robotics lists technical support and training with its Go2 EDU offer, as well as optional maintenance. Boston Dynamics describes a European support structure. The services available to a laboratory depend on the individual contract.
Before scheduling teaching or project work around the robot, agree in writing on your point of contact, response times, repair process, spare parts and the scope of training.
Downtime can disrupt planned teaching activities and project work.
Go2 EDU configurations may suit university teams looking for a quadruped platform for their own software and sensor projects.
Spot is an option for research setups that need documented payload integration or an arm.
ANYmal Research is aimed at research groups for whom control software, simulation and collaboration within the research programme are important.
No. Where an employer uses the robot as work equipment in a German university or laboratory, the risk assessment under § 3 BetrSichV should begin before selection and procurement. It should take into account factors including suitability for the intended use, work procedures and work organisation. CE marking does not remove this requirement.
You can’t tell from the Go2 EDU name alone. Unitree documents ROS 2-based communication for Go2, but offers several configurations. Ask for the packages, SDK APIs, sensor data and usage rights required for the version on offer to be confirmed in writing.
Plan the sensor, mounting, power supply, data connection and software as a single setup. Unitree documents a Go2 expansion dock with Gigabit Ethernet, USB ports and 12 V and 5 V outputs, among other features. Check whether the dock is included with the version on offer and whether its connection specifications suit your sensor.
According to Boston Dynamics, Spot has a documented payload architecture with mounting rails and two ports for data and power. However, payload integration can involve anything from straightforward mechanical mounting to software integration. For a Spot FE offer, make sure the arm, Core I/O and the development access you need are explicitly included in the agreed package.