rewrite this title Meet As2, a robot dog that runs on batteries not belly rubs

If you’re looking to get a dog but have reservations about all the poop, pee, and chewed shoes that you’ll have to deal with, then how about getting a robot one instead?

Unitree has brought the idea a step closer with the launch on Tuesday of the impressive-looking As2 quadruped.

The Chinese robotics giant already has plenty of experience building robot dogs, but the newly unveiled As2 stands out from its other models as a lighter, more agile consumer-grade contraption with a superior runtime of more than 4 hours, a walking range of 8 miles, and a top speed of 11 mph. It even supports large AI models for embodied AI interaction and autonomous decision-making.

Features include a high-definition front camera, a built in mic and speaker, remote control and intelligent following modes, and a lighting system to aid night walks. It also has an IP54 rating, making it resistant to dust and rain.

A video (top) accompanying the launch positions the As2 as a companion pet, with clips showing it being taken for a walk and running to its owner. It also shows off the robot’s strength and balance, as the 18-kg machine is able to stay standing and remain steady with a 105-kg human standing on its back.

The As2 has a few tricks up its sleeve, too, taking it far beyond what a regular dog can do. Like play tennis. It’s true — if you attach the optional seven-axis robotic arm, you can stick a tennis racket in its gripper and have a knockabout.

It looks like a lot of fun, though if you think you might miss all of the cuteness, slobbering, and quirky behavior that comes with a regular flesh-and-blood mutt, then the As2 probably isn’t for you.

Unitree has yet to publicly reveal pricing for its new robot dog, asking interested folks to “contact sales.”