Clearpath Husky

Overview

The Clearpath Husky is the most widely deployed outdoor research UGV in the world, with thousands of units in service at universities, research institutes, and commercial R&D organisations across Europe, North America, and Asia. At 100 kg payload capacity and 372 mm ground clearance, it can carry significant sensor and computing payloads across grass, gravel, mud, and light trail terrain. Priced between $19,000 and $24,000 depending on configuration, it is the gold standard outdoor mobile robot base for academic robotics research.

The Husky runs Ubuntu Linux with full ROS and ROS2 support and connects seamlessly to the extensive Clearpath accessory ecosystem including arms, LiDAR units, GPS modules, and custom sensor mounts. Clearpath's academic support programme is well regarded, with responsive technical support and comprehensive documentation.

Key Specifications

• Payload: 100 kg
• Ground clearance: 372 mm
• Price: $19,000 to $24,000
• Software: ROS/ROS2 on Ubuntu, Clearpath MPPI nav stack
• Drive: Skid-steer, four-wheel drive

Use Cases

Husky is the standard choice for outdoor mobile robot research in UK universities. It is used extensively for SLAM research, autonomous navigation in natural terrain, agricultural robotics research, and as a base for field inspection robots. UK deployments include long-term field trials at agricultural research stations and coastal environment monitoring programmes.

Commercial applications include construction site inspection, infrastructure monitoring, and search-and-rescue research with emergency services partners.

Buying Used

A secondary market exists through university lab disposals and Clearpath's own used equipment programme. Husky is a robust platform, but outdoor duty cycles cause more wear than indoor equivalents. Buyers should inspect wheel and motor condition, check battery capacity, and verify that the onboard computer and ROS configuration are included and functional.

Alternatives to Consider

Clearpath Warthog is the larger amphibious option for more demanding terrain. AgileX BUNKER provides tracked mobility at a similar price for environments where wheeled traction is insufficient. Clearpath Jackal is the lightweight outdoor option for applications where a smaller, more portable platform is sufficient.