Published on: April 30, 2025 / update from: April 30, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Military quadruped robot in comparison: The “Mechanical Yak” and the “Lynx” robot dog by Deep Robotics-Symbol image: Xpert.digital
The focus: the focus: military giants meet industrial innovations
The future on four legs: the largest military robot in the world and the versatile “Lynx”
The area of quadruped robots has experienced significant progress in recent years. Two particularly remarkable developments are China's “Mechanical Yak”, which is considered the largest quadruped military robot in the world, and the versatile “Lynx” robot dog of the Chinese company Deep Robotics. These robots represent different approaches and use scenarios in military and industrial robotics.
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The “Mechanical Yak” - China's heavy -weight military robot
The so-called “Mechanical Yak”, an electrically operated quadrupeder bionic robot, was presented by China in 2022 as “the largest and most difficult quadruped bionic robot in the world”. This impressive machine was specially developed for military purposes and is characterized by its impressive load and off -road capacity.
Technical specifications and skills
The mechanical YAK can transport a considerable load of up to 160 kilograms and, despite its size, reach a top speed of around 10 kilometers per hour. The device has 12 joint modules that give it a variety of mobility. He can move forward and backwards, turn, run diagonally, sprint and even jump.
The adaptability of the robot to different terrain is particularly remarkable. It can operate on demanding substrates such as steps, trenches, cliffs, cliffs, muddy streets, snow fields, deserts and grassland. This versatility makes it a valuable aid for military operations in remote or difficult to access areas.
Military applications
The Chinese military plans to use the mechanical YAK mainly for two purposes. First, it should be used for reconnaissance missions in complex environments that would be too dangerous for soldiers, including remote border regions and high conflict fighter areas. Second, it is designed as a transport system to bring supplies such as ammunition and food to rough terrain.
In addition, there is the possibility to equip the robot with weapons, which would significantly expand its possible uses. The combination of terrain, load capacity and potential arming makes the mechanical YAK a versatile platform for various military applications.
The “Lynx” robot dog-a hybrid with unique mobility
In contrast to the severe military yak, the Lynx robot dog from Deep Robotics presents itself as a more agile and versatile alternative. This robot presented in 2024/2025 combines the properties of a four -legged robot at the speed of a cycling vehicle.
Innovative bike leg combination
The lynx is characterized by a unique construction: instead of conventional feet, it has four large, coarse -stubborn wheels that can be blocked individually. This enables him to make unusual flexibility in locomotion. He can roll quickly on wheels on levels while blocking the wheels in difficult terrain and using them like feet.
This adaptive mobility allows the Lynx to overcome obstacles up to 80 cm height, climb stairs with steps up to 22 cm and to manage gradients of up to 45 degrees. With a top speed of 5 m/s (18 km/h), it is much faster than many other quadruped robots.
Technical specifications and acrobatics
With a weight of 30 kg, the Lynx is considerably lighter than the mechanical YAK, but can still transport 12 kg of payload. Its battery life is about 3 hours and it has a range of 15 km. Due to protection class IP54, it is protected against dust and splash water, which enables its use under different weather conditions.
A particularly impressive quality of the Lynx is its ability to carry out acrobatic movements, including salti. He can move not only on all four legs, but also on three, two or even just one leg. This versatility is made possible by intelligent movement control algorithms that allow the robot to autonomously choose the optimal type of transportation for the respective terrain.
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Possible uses
In contrast to the primarily militarily oriented YAK, the Lynx aims at a broader range of applications. It is designed for missions in areas such as emergency rescue, exploration of dangerous areas, remote sensing and industrial inspection. His high-definition camera, which transmits video streams in real time, makes it particularly useful for surveillance and inspection tasks.
His ability to recognize and react to dangerous situations - for example by recognizing and bypassing obstacles - makes him an autonomous helper in complex environments.
Comparison and historical context
Both robots represent significant progress in the development of quadruped robots, but have different orientations. While the mechanical YAK specializes in heavy loads and military applications, the Lynx is characterized by its hybrid mobility and versatility.
In the historical context, both robots are part of a development that began with the Boston Dynamics Bigdog, which was developed in 2005 and was able to carry up to 150 kg. The lynx is often compared to other modern robot dogs such as the spot from Boston Dynamics and the GO2 from Unitreree.
Robot for extreme conditions: the next generation of robotics
The development of the “Mechanical Yak” and the Lynx robot dog shows the rapid progress in quadruped robotics. The YAK demonstrates China's ambitions in the field of military robotics and could revolutionize logistics and education in difficult terrain. The Lynx, on the other hand, represents an innovative hybrid approach that combines the advantages of cycling and leg training and thus opens up new possible uses.
These robots are harbingers of a future in which autonomous and semi-autonomous robot systems are increasingly taking on complex tasks in difficult terrain-be it for military, industrial or civil purposes.
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