The comparison of dogs being “man’s best friend” talks of a bond woven within the very fabric of human history. But what if this friendship transcended the biological world? Xiaomi‘s CyberDog 2, a “bio-inspired quadrupled robot” as they put it, is here to try and replicate that bond.
In 2021, its predecessor demonstrated exceptional perception, agility, and range of motion. Through understanding voice commands, a plethora of sensors, advanced AI to process decisions, and a lot more, the robot dog truly felt like a real companion. Moreover, as Xiaomi embraced the open-source philosophy, owners were always free to integrate community “mods” through the integrated ports. Now in 2023, Cyberdog 2 aims to bring more to the table.
Evolving connections between man and machine
Building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, CyberDog 2 represents a leap forward in intelligence, mobility, and lifelike interaction. Through the integration of Xiaomi’s proprietary CyberGear Micro-actuator, the robot’s mobility enables it to effortlessly execute complex maneuvers such as continuous backflips and fall recoveries. The agility is further enhanced by its fusion sensing and decision-making system. This is thanks to its 19 sensors dedicated to vision, touch, and hearing all processed through AI and machine learning.
In contrast to its first-generation counterpart, the CyberDog 2 takes on a more distinct and visually striking form. Drawing inspiration from the Doberman. Weighing a mere 8.9 kilograms. CyberDog 2’s compact and sleek profile feels real, perhaps giving an uncanny valley feeling.
Remaining true to Xiaomi’s commitment to open collaboration, CyberDog 2 stands as a testament to the potential of open-source innovation. Just as in the first generation, this bio-inspired robot embraces the philosophy of co-creation. It opens its technological heart to developers, inviting them to enhance and refine its capabilities. It’s a win-win situation both for the developers experimenting and the customers enjoying themselves.
The journey of CyberDog 2 signifies more than just an advancement in technology. It is a testament to the ever-evolving partnership between humans and machines, showcasing the potential of open-source collaboration in shaping the future of companionship and innovation. It’s impossible to overlook the weird aspect of getting a robot to act as a dog but weirdness won’t stop human curiosity. As we step into this new era of robotic coexistence, innovations like this robot embody the spirit of progress, community, and the boundless frontiers that lie ahead. While it won’t replace companionship from an actual dog, this is a small step towards the future.
YouTube: Will we be replaced? | CyberDog 2
Photo credits: The images used are owned by Xiaomi and have been provided for press usage.
