The Unitree Explore App serves as the primary mobile interface for the Unitree G1 Humanoid Robot. While the G1 is a highly advanced development platform capable of running complex SDKs and autonomous behaviors, the Explore App provides the essential “ground control” layer. It allows operators to monitor critical health metrics, perform necessary hardware calibrations, bind remote controllers, and—with recent firmware updates—rapidly prototype motions using a no-code teaching mode. This document outlines the technical specifications of the G1 hardware and details how the Explore App functions as a vital tool for deployment and maintenance.
Why This App Matters for G1 Users
For researchers and developers, the G1 is often controlled via high-level code. However, the Explore App bridges the gap between hardware and software:
- Hardware Insight: Instant visibility into motor temperatures and joint status ensures safe operation during intense testing.
- Maintenance: It is the only interface for correcting joint zero-points (calibration) and fine-tuning motors after wear or maintenance.
- Rapid Prototyping: The new Training Mode allows users to physically pose the robot to create animations in seconds, bypassing complex coding for simple demos.
Main App Options & Features
The Explore App is designed to manage the specific capabilities of the G1 and G1 EDU models. Below is a comparison of the supported hardware platforms.
| Specification | Unitree G1 (Standard) | Unitree G1 EDU (Enhanced) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (Standing) | 1320 × 450 × 200 mm | 1320 × 450 × 200 mm |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 690 × 450 × 300 mm | 690 × 450 × 300 mm |
| Weight | ~35 kg | ~35 kg+ |
| Degrees of Freedom (DoF) | 23 DoF | 23 – 43 DoF (Configurable) |
| Torque (Knee Joint Max) | 90 N·m | 120 N·m |
| Arm Payload | ~2 kg | ~3 kg |
| Hands | Fixed / Basic | Optional Dexterous Hand (7 Active DoF + Wrist) |
| Computing & Sensing | 8-Core CPU, Depth Camera, 3D LiDAR | 8-Core CPU + Optional NVIDIA Jetson Orin |
| Battery & Power | 9000 mAh Smart Battery (approx. 2h life) | 9000 mAh Smart Battery (approx. 2h life) |
| Price & Warranty | Contact Sales (8 months warranty) | Contact Sales (18 months warranty) |
Unitree G1 Technical Specifications
The Unitree Explore App focuses on six core functionalities essential for daily operation:
1. Real-Time Data Monitoring
View multi-dimensional data including machine status, real-time motor temperatures, and system alarms. This allows operators to quickly identify anomalies before they result in hardware failure.
2. Auxiliary Calibration
Access tools to re-calibrate motor joints and the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). This corrects cumulative errors generated during use or after replacing parts, ensuring the robot stands and walks correctly.
3. Motor Joint Fine-Tuning
Fine-tune specific joint angles to compensate for mechanical wear deviation over long-term use. This ensures the robot maintains precise posture without needing a full factory reset.
4. Remote Control Binding
Navigate to Device → Data → RemoteControl Binding to pair the physical remote controller. This is a critical one-time setup step to link the specific remote hardware to the robot.
5. Training / Teaching Mode
(Requires Firmware 1.4.5+) A no-code workflow: Navigate to Function → Demo → Teaching → Create Teaching. Users can “Start teaching” to loosen joints, physically pose the robot, “End teaching” to capture the sequence, and then “Save” and “Play”. Supports up to 3 minutes of custom actions.
6. Documentation & Guides
The app includes built-in access to rich teaching videos and electronic documents, helping new users onboard without needing to constantly refer to external PDFs.
How the Explore App Works with Unitree G1
The app is not a replacement for the remote control but a companion tool for setup and maintenance. The typical workflow is as follows:
- Preparation: Download the Unitree Explore App (iOS/Android) via the official QR codes. Ensure the robot is placed on flat ground or suspended safely.
- Power On: Power on the G1. Wait for the initialization sequence to complete.
- Connection: Open the app and select the device to connect via WiFi/Bluetooth.
- Initial Setup:
- Check the RemoteControl Binding menu if the physical remote is not responding.
- Verify system health (battery voltage, motor temps) in the data dashboard.
- Calibration (If needed): If the robot drifts or stands unevenly, use the Auxiliary Calibration tools to reset the IMU or joint zeros.
- Operation vs. Development:
- Standard Use: Use the remote or app to trigger standard walking and modes.
- Custom Motion: Use the Teaching Mode in the app to record custom gestures.
- SDK Development: Crucial Step: If developing with the SDK, put the robot into Debug Mode. This prevents the built-in motion controller from conflicting with SDK commands.
Control Ecosystem & Operational Modes
The G1 operates through a specific set of control states. While the app monitors these, they are typically managed via the control ecosystem (Remote/SDK).
- Zero Torque: Motors are loose; used for emergency stop or shutdown.
- Damping: Motors provide resistance but no active movement; safe state for handling.
- Ready / Standing: The robot is upright and balancing, ready for input.
- Motion / Continuous Walking: Active locomotive states.
- Squat / Seating: Specialized postures for starting up or powering down safely.
- Debug Mode: Essential for developers; disables high-level logic to allow low-level SDK control.
Operator Tutorial Handout
In below, you could find some tutorial links for specific processes with G1:
Teaching video
- Sitting and turning off
- Hanging shutdown
Who This Is For
The combination of the Unitree G1 and the Explore App is tailored for:
- Education & Robotics Labs: Students can use the app’s Teaching Mode to understand kinematics without writing complex C++/Python code immediately.
- AI Research: Provides a stable hardware platform where basic maintenance (calibration) is handled by the app, allowing researchers to focus on high-level RL (Reinforcement Learning) models.
- Automation & R&D: Rapid prototyping of physical tasks using the manual teaching workflow.
