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The latest innovation in the world of quadruped robots is the MagicDog-W, unveiled by Chinese startup MagicLab (also known as Magic Atom) in July 2025. This remarkable robot, a blend of wheeled and legged locomotion, is set to redefine the boundaries of robotics.
The MagicDog-W is a versatile and agile machine, designed for seamless navigation across various terrains. Its hybrid wheel-leg design allows it to switch between wheeled and legged locomotion, offering both speed and agility. This unique feature sets it apart from traditional quadruped robots[1][2][4].
Equipped with advanced autonomous navigation and nimble mobility, the MagicDog-W excels in challenging environments[1][2]. Its enhanced stability and speed compared to typical legged-only quadrupeds are attributed to its wheeled mode[1]. The robot is a next-generation platform, outperforming typical quadrupedal robots by combining versatility and efficiency[4].
The MagicDog-W's capabilities are impressive. It can handle slopes, high steps, stairs, and uneven surfaces, including vertical obstacles of at least 60 cm[1]. The robot can perform liquid-smooth flips, handstands, and climbs uphill and downhill. It has a nominal endurance of 2 to 4 hours per charge, making it suitable for extended runs in real-world use[3].
The MagicDog-W is designed for high mobility, navigating diverse terrains with ease. It can negotiate steep slopes steeper than 40 degrees, both forwards and backwards[1]. With a top speed of 3 meters per second (6.71 mph) and a 10 kg (22 pounds) payload capacity, the MagicDog-W is a robust and efficient machine[1].
The MagicDog-W's advanced motor control and motion system, combined with its wheel-leg hybrid design, make it a strong candidate for real-world tasks beyond lab settings. It is positioned for applications like industrial inspection, search-and-rescue, exploration, or military logistics assistance, due to its mix of speed, endurance, and payload capacity[1].
This remarkable robot dog is set to turn heads in the field of robotics, breaking the mold of typical quadrupeds or wheeled robots by offering both agility and endurance[5]. Pricing for the MagicDog-W has not yet been revealed by MagicLab[2].
[1] https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2025/07/magicdog-w-hybrid-robot-can-walk-run-and-climb-like-a-dog-and-drive-like-a-car [2] https://www.engadget.com/2025-07-01-magiclab-magicdog-w-hybrid-robot-unveiled.html [3] https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/07/01/620088/magicdog-w-hybrid-robot-unveiled-by-magiclab/ [4] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/magiclab-unveils-hybrid-robot-dog-magicdog-w-2025-07-01/ [5] https://www.theverge.com/2025/07/01/23053854/magiclab-magicdog-w-hybrid-robot-unveiled-china-startup-quadruped
The MagicDog-W, a hybrid robot featuring innovation in both robotics and science, combines wheeled and legged locomotion for enhanced agility and speed, setting new standards in the technology industry. Its unique design, which allows for seamless navigation across a variety of terrains, promises to revolutionize the realm of quadruped robots, offering versatility and efficiency that exceeds traditional models.
