[ExI] CyberDog is a new ominous-looking robot from Xiaomi

John Grigg possiblepaths2050 at gmail.com
Sun Aug 15 18:50:42 UTC 2021


"Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has unveiled a quadrupedal robot named CyberDog
<https://blog.mi.com/en/2021/08/10/xiaomi-launches-cyberdog-an-open-source-quadruped-robot-companion/>:
an experimental, open-source machine that the firm says “holds unforetold
possibilities.”

CyberDog is the latest example of tech companies embracing the quadrupedal
form factor in robotics. The most notable example of the trend is Spot, a
machine built by US firm Boston Dynamics. Spot went on sale last year
<https://www.theverge.com/21292684/boston-dynamics-spot-robot-on-sale-price>
for
$74,500 and has been put to a range of uses, from surveying dangerous mines
<https://youtu.be/GbcDK7E9rVQ> to helping doctors connect with patients
remotely
<https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/23/21231855/boston-dynamics-spot-robot-covid-19-coronavirus-telemedicine>.
It’s also been tested by both law enforcement
<https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/24/22299140/nypd-boston-dynamics-spot-robot-dog>
 and the military
<https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/7/22371590/boston-dynamics-spot-robot-military-exercises-french-army>,
though not as a weapon.
XIAOMI SAYS CYBERDOG HAS A “PET-LIKE NATURE”

It’s not clear what purpose Xiaomi envisions for CyberDog. In a press
release, the company stressed the open-source nature of the machine’s
design and that it would release only 1,000 units initially for “Xiaomi
Fans, engineers, and robotic enthusiasts.” The company says it hopes these
first users will “propel the development and potential of quadruped robots”
and is pricing the robot to sell. The first 1,000 units will cost just
9,999 Yuan, or roughly $1,540 (though it’s not clear if this price will be
the same for any future releases).

The same press release highlights CyberDog’s “pet-like nature,” including
its ability to respond to voice commands and follow its owner like a real
dog. Looking at pictures of CyberDog, though, it’s clear Xiaomi isn’t
pitching the machine as a rival to Aibo, Sony’s own robot canine. While
Aibo is small and cute, CyberDog is sleek and futuristic — even a little
menacing. Renders of the machine make it look like the protagonist in a
sci-fi TV show, pacing up stairs and appearing silhouetted in doorways.
Inevitable comparisons to *Black Mirror*’s “Metalhead” episode will be
made, as they always are."
https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/10/22618043/xiaomi-cyberdog-robot-dog-quadruped-specs-price
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