Xiaomi launches CyberDog, a new unpropitious looking quadrupedal robot

Chinese tech goliath Xiaomi has disclosed a quadrupedal robot named CyberDog: an experimental, open-source machine that the firm says “holds unforetold possibilities.”

CyberDog is the most recent example of tech organizations accepting the quadrupedal form factor in robotics. The most remarkable example of the trend is Spot, a machine worked by US firm Boston Dynamics. Spot went on sale last year for $74,500 and has been put to a range of uses, from looking over hazardous mines to assisting doctors with interfacing patients remotely. It’s likewise been tested by both law enforcement and the military, however not as a weapon.

It’s not clear what reason Xiaomi imagines for CyberDog. In an official statement, the organization focused on the open-source nature of the machine’s design and that it would release just 1,000 units at first for “Xiaomi Fans, engineers, and robotic enthusiasts.”

The organization says it trusts these first clients will “propel the development and potential of quadruped robots” and is estimating the robot to sell. The first 1,000 units will cost only 9,999 Yuan, or generally $1,540 (however it’s not clear if this cost will be something similar for any future releases).

A similar official statement features CyberDog’s “pet-like nature,” including its ability to react to voice commands and follow its proprietor like a real dog. Taking a gander at pictures of CyberDog, however, it’s clear Xiaomi isn’t pitching the machine as an adversary to Aibo, Sony’s own robot canine.

While Aibo is small and cute, CyberDog is smooth and futuristic — even somewhat threatening. Renders of the machine make it resemble the protagonist in a science fiction TV show, pacing upstairs and seeming outlined in doorways. Unavoidable correlations with Black Mirror’s “Metalhead” episode will be made, as they generally are.

Xiaomi says CyberDog is adequately agile to perform backflips, can trot along at speeds of 3.2m/s (contrasted with Spot’s 3.9m/s), and weighs 3kg (contrasted with Spot’s 5.2kg). CyberDog is powered by Nvidia’s Jetson Xavier AI platform and is equipped with an array of cameras and sensors. These incorporate touch sensors, a GPS module, an ultra-wide-angle fisheye lens, and Intel’s RealSense D450 camera for depth-sensing. These segments enable the robot to explore semi-autonomously.

“CyberDog can analyze its surroundings in real-time, create navigational maps, plot its destination, and avoid obstacles. Coupled with human posture and face recognition tracking, CyberDog is capable of following its owner and darting around obstructions,” says Xiaomi.

The machine can likewise react to voice commands, including perceiving wake words and instructions, or it tends to be controlled using a connected smartphone app.

CyberDog likewise has three USB-C ports and one HDMI port, which Xiaomi says can be used to customize its hardware. The organization proposes lidar sensors, panoramic cameras, and searchlights could all be added to the robot.

The release of CyberDog by Xiaomi is extremely interesting, however not really like a product in its own right. All things considered, it says a ton regarding the current robotics landscape and the availability of this tech.

Boston Dynamics promoted the quadrupedal format for robots, and organizations throughout the world are currently investigating precisely how and where such machines can be sent successfully. The cost of this hardware has been falling, however, taking into consideration new use-cases to be investigated.

Recently, Chinese robotics firm Unitree released a quadrupedal bot that cost just $2,700, and Xiaomi’s own CyberDog undermines that once more. Clearly, the capacity of these machines won’t be indistinguishable, however more extensive access to the technology will show whether it merits these firms seeking after by any means.