He doesn’t bark, need feeding or require walks, and he certainly doesn’t leave any unpleasant surprises on the pavement. Sirius, the world’s first trainable AI robotic dog, is poised to revolutionise the pet industry. Created by Hengbot, a Chinese start-up, Sirius has been praised by technologists for bringing advanced robotics into everyday life and is scheduled for release in October.
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While robotic dogs already exist, Sirius stands apart by recognising its owner and learning new tricks, adapting over time to match gestures with voice commands much like a real dog is trained. Hengbot’s chief executive, Peiheng Song, described Sirius as the beginning of a new era of intelligent, customisable robots designed to bring imagination to life. Developers who have lived with Sirius report it provides a heartwarming presence, especially for young engineers living alone, offering companionship without the usual demands of a pet.
Hengbot emphasises that robot pets like Sirius are not intended to replace real animals but to offer a new form of companionship, particularly useful for people with allergies, busy lifestyles or limited living space. Sirius delivers emotional connection and interaction without the need for feeding, vet visits, or shedding. Users can personalise Sirius’s personality, behaviour and appearance, with options to mimic different dog breeds or even replicate their own pet’s bark and gestures.
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The robot’s lifelike movements come from advanced joints and AI that enable jumping, stretching and playful behaviours. As Sirius interacts with its owner, it learns preferences and habits, adapting accordingly with both short- and long-term memory. Developers have been impressed by its realistic responses, including barking back when playfully scolded. With nearly 700 pre-orders and crowdfunding around £500, Sirius promises a low-maintenance yet emotionally rewarding companion for modern living.
