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Telegraph
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The robot dog poised to replace your pet
He doesn't bark, require feeding or walking, and he certainly doesn't leave behind any unwelcome surprises on the pavement. Sirius, the world's first trainable AI robotic dog is on the cusp of radically transforming the pet industry. Designed by Hengbot, a Chinese start-up, Sirius has been hailed by technologists as bringing advanced robotics to the masses, and is due for roll-out in October. Although there are already robot dogs on the market, Sirius recognises its owner and learns new tricks, evolving over time to sync gestures with voice commands, similar to how a real dog is trained. Peiheng Song, the chief executive at Hengbot, 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, customisable robots designed to bring your imagination to life.' Several of Hengbot's developers already live with Sirius. They told The Telegraph that it had been a more 'heartwarming' experience than they expected, especially for young designers and engineers who are often living alone for the first time. One developer said: '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. 'After a long day, it simply stays nearby – whether you're watching a show, playing games, or just winding down. It adds a soft, almost therapeutic presence that helps ease loneliness and brings warmth to everyday life.' One developer described it as 'a little being that keeps you company without asking for anything in return'. 'Therapeutic presence' Hengbot said that they believe robot pets will eventually become normal, not to replace real animals, but as a new form of companionship that could be particularly useful for people with allergies, demanding schedules or limited space. A company spokesman: 'We believe companions like Sirius will feel increasingly natural, and even expected, in people's lives. 'It offers similar companionship and emotional joy, but with far less upkeep – no feeding, no vet visits, no shedding – while still responding to you, showing emotion and surprising you with little gestures. 'Sirius is a low-maintenance companion that fits perfectly into today's fast-paced lifestyle.' Users can even pick Sirius's personality, uploading voice packs and swapping character behaviours and moods so that it can behave like a husky, corgi or border collie. They can even change its outer appearance with 3D printable upgrades. It can be programmed to bark and move excitedly like a playful puppy, or amble slowly and calmly around the room like a relaxed dog at home. Owners can even upload their own dog's bark and replicate its signature gestures. The 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. As owners spend more time with it, Sirius begins to learn from the interactions, gradually understanding preferences and habits, and adjusting its behaviour accordingly. It has both short-term and long-term memory, meaning it can remember recent events while also building a deeper understanding of its owner. Developers have been surprised just how lifelike the little robot is, finding that if they playfully scold it, it barks back like a real dog. '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, which is currently funding on Kickstarter for around £500.
Gizmodo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
This Robot Dog Is As Good at Walking as I Am at Being a Robot Dog
Aren't pets such a drag? I mean, really. They're all furry, and cute, and innocent. And you have to feed them and love them, and respect their autonomy and basic needs. For what? Borderline unconditional love? Who's got time for all that? Certainly not me. My job is computer, and I need efficiency—a practical companion that's alive when I want it to be and shutting the f**k up when I need to have the TPS report filed by EOD so corporate can circle back on the EOY roadmap. You got all that? Me neither; I'll just have AI summarize it for me. Alright, sorry, I'm done joking now. It's time to get serious—or should I say… Sirius. Sirius is a $1,200 robot dog made by a company you've never heard of called Hengbot. It's part of a long lineage of robot dogs punctuated by the likes of tech titans like Sony, Xiaomi, Fisher-Price, and, uh, Ideal Toy Company's impeccably named mechanical dog from 1960, Gaylord the Pup (you can't make this shit up, folks). But this isn't just another Gaylord. It's a robot dog with—say it with me now—AI. Using large language models (LLMs) like the ones that power ChatGPT, Sirius comes equipped with the ability to understand voice commands. What can you ask Sirius? Some stuff. Hengbot Sirius Robot Dog Pros Cons In a demo with Sirius, I saw the dog take voice commands like 'sit,' 'shake,' and 'pee,' though I wouldn't want to train your real dog to do that last one. They're activated pretty much how you'd think they would be. Just blurt out, 'Hey, Sirius,' and then talk away. The dog has to be connected to Wi-Fi to do all of this stuff, FYI—there's no onboard processing, but this ain't an iPhone after all. Speaking of iPhones, be careful when yelling 'Hey, Sirius' because 'Sirius' sounds an awful lot like another voice assistant, who's had a bit of trouble with AI lately. I don't know what happens when you ask your iPhone to pee, but frankly, I'd rather not find out. I wasn't able to test the voice commands with my review unit of Sirius because I had trouble connecting it to Wi-Fi, but I did get to see them in a live demo, and Sirius's voice assistant looks about as good as Apple's, which is to say… pretty mid. It recognized some commands right away, and others not so much. However mid Sirius is at processing and understanding voice commands, it's much worse at (sigh) walking. This thing falls kind of a lot, and unlike a dog made of flesh and blood, it cannot figure out how to get up after taking said spill. Lots of my time testing Sirius was spent extricating it from the insufferable foibles of its own clumsiness. I have my own foibles to suffer, thank you very much. I don't need a robot dog to add to the pile. (Note: you may not have the same Wi-Fi headache as the one I encountered. My unit was a demo version and didn't have the same OTA update as the ones shipping after. We'll be updating this post if and when I can get Sirus online.) Using a game controller provided with my review unit, I tried parading Sirius around the Gizmodo office for shits and giggles but found that (especially when it's in autonomous mode) it would often get tripped up when I sent in an input to walk forward or move side-to-side and then flop to the ground harder than Cristiano Ronaldo when his team is down 2-1. Say what you will about dogs, but they're pretty good at locomotion most of the time. When Sirius isn't falling over, you can use a game controller to do some fun stuff manually, like directing it to jump in four directions (left, right, forward, or back) and also activate some silly commands like making it sit and meow like a cat. Cute! I think if I'm going to give Sirius any credit, it's that the actuators used to move the dog around are pretty cool and can actually simulate the movements of a real dog fairly well. I suppose, depending on your feelings toward robots, that could also be a point against it, too. There's something vaguely uncanny valley about Sirius, and the weird, single robot eye on the dog's face probably doesn't help. Despite the fact that Sirius, with its onboard camera, can actually track your face, it cannot follow you around like other robot dogs like Xiaomi's Cyberdog. That's a bummer. I think going for a walk is probably high on the list of things people would want to do with their new $1,200 pet, or toy, or AI companion, or… wait a second, what is this thing, actually? If you're reading these words (and I'm sorry if you are), please send me your coordinates so I can tell the police to save you from the evil villain Clockwork Oranging robot dog reviews into your eyeballs—then you may also be curious who Sirius is meant for. The short answer is I have no freaking clue. Is it a toy for serious adults who want an AI-programmable companion? Is it supposed to be cute? Like, I don't know, Furby cute? Or Sony Aibo robot dog cute? I'm not positive, but if it's the latter, then I would venture to say that it's not really hitting the mark. Superficially, it looks like a cross between Boston Dynamics' Spot and a DJI drone, and functionally, it can do a little bit more than the robot dogs of yore, I guess. But in practice, it's just not very, I don't know… fun. There's a sort of binary that exists in gadgets, robot dogs included. There are toys—things that aren't meant to do much, but they're fun to use. And then there are tools. Things that do a thing that you need or very much want done. As it stands, I don't think Sirius is hitting either of those marks, but in the end, the stakes are kind of low. I don't know who this robot dog is for, but some dogs have no master, right? Then again, those dogs, sooner or later, often get sent to the pound…
CNET
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
This $1,299 Robot Dog Plays Soccer, Dances and Can 'Evolve' With AI
After an initial appearance at CES 2025, the Hengbot $1,299 Sirius robot dog is going on preorder Thursday, highlighting an agile body that's able to play soccer while also integrating with OpenAI to develop its own personality. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET's parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.) While robot dogs have been around for decades with brands like Sony's Aibo, Hengbot's Sirius robot is putting a particular emphasis on how quickly it can move. The company has been showing this off in videos that demonstrate it dancing to piano music or shaking hands next to an actual dog. The Sirius robot has a total of 14 axis across its legs and head along with proprietary joints named Neurocore that let it move more naturally. Hengbot says it's also customizable using a "game-like" editor, featuring the ability to customize the robot's personality to be more like specific dogs such as a Corgi, set up different facial reactions to appear on its head or upload voice packs to customize what the robot sounds like. However Hengbot does note that, because this is a robot after all, the Sirius robot dog is meant primarily for flat indoor surfaces and isn't meant to be played with outside. So while dancing and soccer games (which can be played with an included controller) are fine, the Sirius robot is unlikely to be running up and down the stairs of a house. The robot's battery will also let it run for 40 to 60 minutes when moving or one to two hours when standing still and Hengbot says it takes about an hour to recharge. Other specs on Sirius include an 8-megapixel camera used for vision, two USB-C ports used for development and accessories Hengbot's Sirius robot dog can be set up with controllers and a VR headset to play a soccer game. Hengbot Using a network connection, the Sirius robot develops it's personality with an integration with large language models like OpenAI, which it also uses to process voice commands. This can include asking it to dance, sit or to act like other animals like a cat. Hengbot says the dog itself does not collect data but also advises that the Sirius is designed more for adults who would like to use some of the more creative features that the dog is capable of. And that distinction is important, as AI is still prone to hallucinations and other mistakes. For instance, last year my colleague Bridget Carey tested a ChatGPT-enabled teddy bear named Poe made by the Los Angeles-based toy maker Skyrocket. The bear created stories using prompts within the app but at launch its vocabulary was rather verbose for young audiences. While Hengbot's Sirius robot will primarily be dancing, barking and moving about, Hengbot does say that the Sirius robot is eventually intended to integrate with a wider creative platform meant for hosting and sharing different projects. The Sirius robot is available to preorder on Hengbot's website and it's expected to be available this fall.
Associated Press
26-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Hengbot Launches Sirius, an AI-based Programmable and Customizable Robotic Dog for Consumers
Built based on multiple AI models and intelligent robotics, the high-performing robotic dog is already popular amongst beta testers and pre-order customers NEW YORK, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hengbot Innovation Ltd., building a new world of emotionally intelligent and expressive robots, today launched its first product in the Hengbot Universe, Sirius. Sirius is a robotic dog for consumers that made waves at CES 2025 for its powerful AI multimodal interaction capabilities and high dynamic motion performance. Based on AI models, Sirius is the first fully customizable and programmable robotic dog that lets everyday consumers develop and build their own unique robot from the ground up. The robotic companion market is growing rapidly, fueled by advances in AI, robotics, and consumer appetite for emotionally engaging tech. From elderly care to entertainment, robotic pets are emerging as a hot category of interactive consumer gadgets. According to Market Research Future, the global entertainment robot market is expected to surpass $18 billion by 2032, driven by demand for emotionally intelligent, programmable companions. Already embraced by early adopters, Sirius has attracted strong momentum with 3,000+ interested beta testers and 600+ pre-orders ahead of its launch. Hengbot surveyed over 100 early adopters and beta users in the Sirius Launch Facebook group, finding that 46% of respondents are potential first-time robotic pet users, while 54% had experience with at least one other robotic pet. As far as use-cases, respondents stated: 'The way Sirius moved was so fluid, it almost felt real,' said Sohail Khan, a professional reviewer and one of Hengbot's early beta testers. 'For a robot of its size to perform such complex movements, it was truly amazing to see.' Unlike other robotic dogs on the market, Sirius is engineered for more than simple consumer play with high performance, personality, and support for secondary development. With its proprietary Hengbot Neurocore™ joints delivering 14 degrees of freedom, Sirius mimics the movement of real dogs with uncanny realism by jumping, stretching, and dancing with lifelike ease. But what truly sets Sirius apart lies under the hood: an AI head with up to 5 TOPS of edge computing power, large model-driven interaction capabilities, and a modular platform that supports drag-and-drop programming, voice packs, swappable personalities, and even 3D-printable shells. Whether users are teaching Sirius tricks, syncing gestures with voice commands, or uploading custom facial expressions, Sirius adapts and evolves to become a one-of-a-kind companion that moves and thinks like no other robotic dog. Consumers can buy the basic Sirius model starting at $1299 USD. To pre-order and view limited-time discounts, visit AI-driven Innovation & Performance Sirius isn't just reactive, it's responsive, expressive, and deeply intelligent. Powered by a next-gen AI system, Sirius: This level of AI performance is made possible by Hengbot's custom-built hardware and software stack. At its core is Hengbot Neurocore™, a proprietary motor system that integrates three degrees of freedom into a single unit. Sirius features a highly biomimetic and optimized leg structure made from high-strength, all-metal materials. The result is lifelike agility, smooth gait transitions, and movement precision that mirrors the behavior of real dogs. Sirius also features highly adaptive motion control and a lightweight 1 kg frame constructed from aerospace-grade alloy, enabling fast, responsive actions without compromising durability. Combined with an AI head with up to 5 TOPS of edge computing power, USB-C peripheral expansion, and a powerful 2250mAh battery, Sirius delivers elite-level performance in a compact form. With Sirius' launch, Hengbot is setting a new standard for intelligent robotics in the consumer market. Customizations & Programmability From the moment Sirius is unboxed, personalization is at the heart of the experience. Whether used by a tech-savvy developer, a curious kid, or a first-time robot owner, Sirius makes it easy to build, train, and express your own robotic companion—no coding required. Using a game-like visual editor, users can choreograph dance routines, teach Sirius custom tricks, or create entirely new characters with just a few clicks. The experience doesn't stop at movement: 'With Sirius, we didn't just build a robot, we created the first of a new kind of robotic species,' said Peiheng Song, CEO at Hengbot. 'Powered by our Neurocore system, Sirius marks the start of a growing universe of intelligent, customizable robots designed to bring your imagination to life.' Hengbot is expected to announce Sirius's general availability in Fall 2025. Media interested in reviewing Hengbot or other hands-on Sirius experiences are encouraged to reach out. About Hengbot Hengbot Innovation Ltd. is building a new world of emotionally intelligent and expressive robots. While the company continues to innovate in actuators, control systems, and motion planning, its broader mission is to empower a new generation of robots with personality, emotion, and adaptability – bringing to life the childhood dream of having a true robotic companion. Visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hengbot Innovation Limited
