The Robotic pet takeover is starting with dogs, the most common pet on earth. Xiaomi has taken their first steps to enter into this market. And I can’t say anything about the emotional value but their robot dog carries some features that will definitely make you consider buying one.
Xiaomi launched CyberDog on August 10th, 2021, a robotic pet designed to be like a futuristic dog. The CyberDog is not just any robot; it’s smart, like a real dog but with some extra tech magic.
Beyond just being a fun companion, it lends a hand in keeping your house safe, provides entertainment, assists those with disabilities, keeps tabs on health, and even helps out in research endeavors and leading in robotics innovation.
Other companies working on Robotic pet technologies
Boston Dynamics :- Boston Dynamics’ robot dog, called Spot, is agile, versatile, and smart. Originally made for the military, it’s now used in construction, inspections, and safety. With its modular design, Spot can be customized for various tasks, from carrying items to search and rescue missions.
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Sony :- Sony’s robot dog, Aibo, made its debut in the late 1990s and returned in 2018. It’s become a beloved pet for many families. Aibo can express emotions through sounds and movements, making it more than just a toy. Owners can interact with Aibo via a smartphone app, even remotely, to check in, play, and teach it new tricks.
UNITREE Go1 :- The UNITREE Go1, crafted by UNITREE Robotics, is a smart, dog-like robot adept at navigating various terrains. It’s utilized in research, education, and entertainment, showcasing its adaptability. With its customizable design, the Go1 can perform diverse tasks in different environments, demonstrating the potential for robots to assist in various roles, thanks to its advanced capabilities.
Throwflame :- The introduction of the Terminator adds a unique dimension to the field of robotics, offering a blend of innovation and practical utility, albeit raising ethical and safety considerations among the public. Meanwhile, the robot dog can shoot flames up to 30 feet, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and an hour-long battery life. The Terminator could be used in wildlife control, agriculture, conservation, snow clearing, and for entertainment purposes.
Patents related to Xiaomi’s Robot dog
We analyzed Xiaomi’s research in robotic pets and found a lot of interesting insights into what they are planning, upcoming features, and overall functionalities of their robotic pet products.
For example –
Cyberdog can do what sometimes even humans struggle with
The patent CN117245646A focuses on a cyber dog equipped with a variety of capabilities. These include things like
Communication and Interaction:
– Communicating with ultrasound
– Recognizing faces and voices
– Understanding gestures
Control and Navigation:
– Controlling lights
– Finding its way
– Following targets
Sensing and Measurement:
– Detecting with radar
-Measuring movement with inertial sensors
-Tracking distance traveled
Connectivity and Intelligence:
– GPS for location
– Managing information about people
– Organizing tasks
These capabilities cover a wide range of functions to make the cyber dog versatile and useful in different situations.
Just like your roomba, Robot dog can find its charging station on its own
Also the patent CN114915036A, describes the method that controls charging for a legged robot by first analyzing its surroundings with a camera and locating a charging device. The robot then moves within range of the device and adjusts its position using a position detection component to ensure proper alignment for charging. The robot may adjust its posture if needed. This innovative system ensures efficient and accurate charging for the robot.
In a room full of people, Cyberdog can focus only on your voice
Also the patent CN114596848A, describes a speech recognition method for robots that involves collecting voice data from multiple directions and determining the speaker’s position. It then enhances the voice data to improve clarity and accuracy. By selecting and adjusting reference voice data and aligning it with the original, the system enhances the overall recognition process. Integrated into the robot’s design, this method ensures effective communication, enabling the robot to understand spoken commands more accurately and respond accordingly.
Xiaomi’s robot dog will be packed with lots of sensors.
The patent CN215240875U describes a legged robot that has sensors inside its body to gather information about the user’s state. It’s controlled by a unit inside its torso. The legs have detachable parts forming an I-beam shape. The robot has microphones, cameras, temperature sensors, and other tools to understand and interact with the user and its surroundings.
Their legs are the just as complex as their brains
Another patent CN215322946U describes the leg assembly as the mechanical system responsible for the robot’s leg movement. It comprises a motor-driven mechanism, including an output flange and a drive disk assembly. The motor rotates the output flange, initiating the movement of the first leg, which, in turn, articulates the second leg. Stopper features on the first leg and output flange regulate the range of motion, ensuring controlled and precise movement. This intricate interplay of components enables the robot to navigate its environment effectively.
Need to know anything else? We got you covered!