The world's first trainable AI robotic dog is aiming to radically transforming the pet industry.
The Robotic Dog, named "Sirius" is designed by Hengbot, a Chinese start-up. It has been hailed by technologists for bringing advanced robotics and is due for roll-out in October 2025.
Although robotic dogs are already available in markets but Sirius is unique of its kind as it recognizes its owner.
Equipped with advanced sensors and AI, Sirius understands voice commands and emotional cues, fostering a deeper connection with its owner.
The Hengbot’s revolutionary trainable AI robotic dog is designed for companionship and interaction.
Over 1000 unique motions, allow Sirius to perform dynamic and lifelike behaviors that mimic real dog interactions.
Users can personalize Sirius’s appearance, voice, and behaviors, creating a unique companion that reflects their individual style.
Utilizing TOF sensors, Sirius can navigate spaces effortlessly, following its owner or weaving playfully around obstacles.
With an intuitive interface and a growing library of actions, users can easily teach their AI dog.
Hengbot’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Peiheing Song said “With Sirius, we didn’t just build a robot, we created the first of a new kind of robotic species”.
“Sirius marks the start of a growing universe of intelligent, customizable robots designed to bring your imagination to life”, he added.
While giving an interview to the Telegraph, Hengbot developers shared their heartwarming experience about living with the AI pet.
“It feels like something between a smart assistant and curious little pet. While it doesn’t need feeding or walking, it often surprises you with small, spontaneous gestures: a sneeze, a stretch, a playful bark or a gentle head tilt when you get close," they said.
Robot pets will eventually become normal, not to replace real creatures or animals but emerge as a new form of companionship, particularly useful for people with allergies, demanding schedules or limited space issues.
Company’ spokesman mentioned, “Sirius is a low-maintenance companion that fits perfectly into today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it offers companionship and emotional joy, but with no feeding, no vet visits, no shedding – while still responding to you, showing emotion and surprising you with little gestures”.
It can be programmed to bark and move excitedly like a playful puppy, or amble calmly around the room like a pet dog.
The quadrupedal robots are designed to resemble dogs in behavior and appearance.
Their lifelike movement comes from special joints that mimic how real animal limbs operate, coupled with advanced AI and a motion feedback system, allowing it to respond like a real dog, including jumping and stretching.
“This level of adaptability and lifelike expression goes far beyond what we initially expected,” said the company.
So far, nearly 700 people have pre-ordered the robot dog.
Several others robotic dogs have been designed before in the past for military operations and other tasks.
Additionally, the first commercially available robotic dog was Sony AIBO released in 1999.
It was designed to mimic the experience of owning a puppy, with features like showing emotions, learning, and developing its own personality.
