Connect with us

Technology

Remember that robot dog? It's back with a 'wheely' cool upgrade

Published

on

Remember that robot dog? It's back with a 'wheely' cool upgrade

Last year, Unitree Robotics captured headlines with its remarkable Go2 robot dog, wowing us with its circus tricks and GPT chat capabilities. Now, the company is back with a new twist: meet the Go2-W, an all-terrain upgrade that adds wheels to its robotic quadruped.

This innovative design not only enhances mobility but also opens up a world of possibilities for navigating diverse environments. Get ready to explore how this wheeled wonder is set to redefine the future of robotics.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Go2-W (Unitree) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why wheels?

While robot quadrupeds like the Go2 are fast, agile and useful, moving on all fours isn’t always the most practical. In some situations, rolling can be more efficient. This is where the Go2-W comes in.

Advertisement

The Go2-W features motorized wheels with 7-inch pneumatic tires, enabling it to glide over flat surfaces and adjust angles for minor bumps while still retaining the ability to tackle more challenging terrain when needed, such as climbing stairs or tackling obstacles.

TRY CYBERGUY’S NEW GAMES (CROSSWORDS, WORD SEARCHES, TRIVIA AND MORE!)

Go2-W (Unitree) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

CRAZY-STRONG ROBOTIC DOGS GEAR UP FOR MOON MISSION

Performance and capabilities of the Go2-W

The Go2-W retains many of the advanced features of the original Go2. It includes super-wide-angle Lidar and wide-angle vision cameras in its sensor suite, and it is powered by octa-core processing brains. The robot also supports Wi-Fi, 4G and Bluetooth connectivity. The 15,000-mAh battery provides up to four hours of operation per charge and supports fast charging for minimal downtime.

Advertisement

Go2-W (Unitree) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

AI-POWERED SEEING ROBOT GUIDE DOG PROVIDES A NEW LEASH ON LIFE FOR THE BLIND

Enhanced mobility and versatility of the Go2-W

Replacing the pads at the end of each jointed leg with motorized wheels, the Go2-W can easily transition between rolling and walking. This flexibility allows it to handle various terrains and perform acrobatic maneuvers like balancing on its front legs.

The robot can carry a payload of around 6.6 pounds, stands at 27.6 inches tall and weighs approximately 40 pounds. It also features front lighting for nighttime operations and a voice function, likely powered by the same natural-language GPT engine as the non-wheeled model.

ALERT: 4.3 MILLION AMERICANS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT DATA BREACH

Advertisement

Go2-W (Unitree) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THESE ROBOT DOGS PAINT LIKE PICASSO AND FETCH UP TO $40K FOR THEIR ART

Comparison with other models

The Go2-W’s top speed is listed as 5.6 mph, similar to the base Go2 model. However, the wheeled variant appears faster in head-to-head sprints. Both models share the same advanced sensor suite and processing capabilities, but the Go2-W’s wheels provide added versatility for different environments.

Go2-W (Unitree) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Real-life applications of the Go2-W 

Unitree Robotics envisions the Go2-W as a versatile robot designed to tackle a wide range of applications. With its ability to switch between rolling and walking modes, the Go2-W is particularly suited for environments that require adaptability and efficiency. 

Advertisement

The company highlights its potential use in inspection and security tasks, where the robot’s advanced 4D L1 Lidar recognition system and wide-angle vision cameras enable it to navigate autonomously and perform maneuvers, such as climbing obstacles and rolling on smooth surfaces. 

Additionally, its robust design, powered by a 15,000 mAh battery providing up to four hours of operation, makes it ideal for extended assignments in varied industrial settings.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

Kurt’s key takeaways

Unitree’s Go2-W represents a significant advancement in robotic mobility, combining the agility of a quadruped with the efficiency of wheels. This hybrid approach allows the robot to adapt to various terrains and tasks, making it a versatile tool for many applications. While pricing and availability details are yet to be announced, the Go2-W is poised to make a substantial impact in the field of robotics.

What are your biggest concerns about the increasing presence of robots like the Go2-W in our daily lives? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

Advertisement

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Advertisement

Technology

OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

Published

on

OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

Advertisement

Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

Continue Reading

Technology

Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

Published

on

Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

Advertisement
  • Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

Advertisement

2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

Advertisement

FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE

5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

Advertisement

Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data.  State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

Advertisement

1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

Advertisement

6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

Advertisement

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

  • Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. 

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Technology

Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Published

on

Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending