CuboRex Launches 'CuGo V4.5' Crawler Robot Development Platform on May 19, 2026
CuboRex, Inc. released the 'CuGo V4.5,' the latest model in its crawler robot development platform series, on May 19, 2026. The new model features a top speed 2.4 times faster than its predecessor, a flat cargo deck, and support for wireless ROS communication, significantly enhancing practicality and development flexibility for robotics engineers.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 22:10
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CuboRex, Inc. (Katsushika-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masato Kakazu) has announced the release of 'CuGo V4.5,' the latest model in its CuGo series of crawler robot development platforms, starting May 19, 2026.
Designed as a foundation for AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and autonomous mobile robot development, CuGo V4.5 is aimed at research institutions, universities, and robotics companies. While inheriting the high durability and water resistance of the previous model (CuGo V4), it offers significant improvements, including a top speed about 2.4 times higher, a redesigned flat cargo deck, support for external batteries, and wireless control via ROS programs, greatly enhancing real-world utility and development flexibility.
■ Development Background
In recent years, the practical application of AGVs and AMRs has accelerated across diverse fields, including logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection. However, many R&D teams have struggled with a lack of robust, reliable base platforms and hardware constraints that bottle-neck development speed.
In response, CuboRex leveraged its experience with the CuGo V4 to develop the CuGo V4.5, a platform more specialized for AGV use cases, aimed at accelerating development cycles from prototyping and verification to pre-mass production evaluation.
■ Key Features
1. Top Speed of ~4.4 km/h — 2.4x Performance Improvement
By adopting compact, high-output brushless DC motors (200W x 2) from Mabuchi Motor, the top speed has been increased from 1.8 km/h in the CuGo V4 to approximately 4.4 km/h. This covers the operating speed range required for logistics and transport verification experiments. The default shipping speed is 3.6 km/h for safety, which can be adjusted up to 4.4 km/h using a dedicated program.
2. Flat Cargo Deck Design — Optimized for AGV/AMR Development
The control box, previously mounted on the deck, has been relocated under the vehicle body, resulting in a flat cargo area (500 x 380 x 85 mm). This drastically improves design freedom for mounted equipment, making it easier to install robotic arms, LiDAR, containers, etc., and supports vertical deck extension.
3. External Battery Support
A new shared port for charging and external power supply allows for swapping in external batteries, improving continuous operation in the field and power management flexibility, while maintaining compatibility with the standard battery (LiFePO4 24V 6Ah).
4. Wireless Control via ROS Programs
The adoption of Raspberry Pi Pico 2W (with Bluetooth) enables wireless communication from ROS programs, realizing a cable-less development environment and supporting seamless integration with ROS 2 and Navigation2 stacks.
5. Improved Stability through Lower Chassis
By reconfiguring the control unit, the vehicle height has been reduced to 255mm (65mm lower than the CuGo V4). The lower center of gravity improves stability, increasing safety when crossing obstacles or traveling on slopes.
■ Target Users and Applications
Target Users: Robotics labs at universities/research institutions, prototyping and PoC development teams at robotics companies and startups, and engineers developing robots for logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection.
Main Applications: Development of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots).
Designed as a foundation for AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and autonomous mobile robot development, CuGo V4.5 is aimed at research institutions, universities, and robotics companies. While inheriting the high durability and water resistance of the previous model (CuGo V4), it offers significant improvements, including a top speed about 2.4 times higher, a redesigned flat cargo deck, support for external batteries, and wireless control via ROS programs, greatly enhancing real-world utility and development flexibility.
■ Development Background
In recent years, the practical application of AGVs and AMRs has accelerated across diverse fields, including logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection. However, many R&D teams have struggled with a lack of robust, reliable base platforms and hardware constraints that bottle-neck development speed.
In response, CuboRex leveraged its experience with the CuGo V4 to develop the CuGo V4.5, a platform more specialized for AGV use cases, aimed at accelerating development cycles from prototyping and verification to pre-mass production evaluation.
■ Key Features
1. Top Speed of ~4.4 km/h — 2.4x Performance Improvement
By adopting compact, high-output brushless DC motors (200W x 2) from Mabuchi Motor, the top speed has been increased from 1.8 km/h in the CuGo V4 to approximately 4.4 km/h. This covers the operating speed range required for logistics and transport verification experiments. The default shipping speed is 3.6 km/h for safety, which can be adjusted up to 4.4 km/h using a dedicated program.
2. Flat Cargo Deck Design — Optimized for AGV/AMR Development
The control box, previously mounted on the deck, has been relocated under the vehicle body, resulting in a flat cargo area (500 x 380 x 85 mm). This drastically improves design freedom for mounted equipment, making it easier to install robotic arms, LiDAR, containers, etc., and supports vertical deck extension.
3. External Battery Support
A new shared port for charging and external power supply allows for swapping in external batteries, improving continuous operation in the field and power management flexibility, while maintaining compatibility with the standard battery (LiFePO4 24V 6Ah).
4. Wireless Control via ROS Programs
The adoption of Raspberry Pi Pico 2W (with Bluetooth) enables wireless communication from ROS programs, realizing a cable-less development environment and supporting seamless integration with ROS 2 and Navigation2 stacks.
5. Improved Stability through Lower Chassis
By reconfiguring the control unit, the vehicle height has been reduced to 255mm (65mm lower than the CuGo V4). The lower center of gravity improves stability, increasing safety when crossing obstacles or traveling on slopes.
■ Target Users and Applications
Target Users: Robotics labs at universities/research institutions, prototyping and PoC development teams at robotics companies and startups, and engineers developing robots for logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection.
Main Applications: Development of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots).
FAQ
When was the CuGo V4.5 released?
It was released on May 19, 2026.
What are the main differences from the previous V4 model?
Improvements include a faster top speed, a flat cargo bed, external battery support, and wireless communication capabilities.
What is it used for?
It is used for the development, prototyping, testing, and pre-production evaluation of AGVs and autonomous mobile robots.