Key Takeaways
1. Lightweight and Customizable: Sparky is a compact robotic dog weighing only 850 grams, designed for easy handling and personalization with a customizable outer shell.
2. Advanced Movement Capabilities: It features 14 degrees of freedom, allowing fluid movements such as walking, jumping, and dancing, thanks to its bionic linkage design.
3. Interactive Features: Sparky can recognize commands and interact through various control methods, including an app, remote controller, and AR/VR interfaces, plus it offers a drag-and-drop teaching mode for easy programming.
4. Robust Specifications: The robot includes a touch sensor, display screen, camera simulation, and supports programming in C, C++, and Python, making it suitable for developers and tech enthusiasts.
5. Upcoming Launch and Pricing: Sparky will first be available on Kickstarter with a price range of $500 to $600, targeting hobbyists and AI developers before broader distribution on platforms like Amazon.
At the 2025 National People’s Congress in China, a small robotic dog called Sparky turned heads with its neat design, smooth movements, and smart interactions. Created by Hengbot, Sparky is not just any typical four-legged robot; it’s a lightweight, customizable companion aimed at fun and development. The company has announced that Sparky will launch around May or June, introducing a new kind of desktop-friendly robotic pet.
Compact Robot Dog with Impressive Abilities
Differing from the bigger, industry-oriented robotic dogs made by firms like Boston Dynamics and Xiaomi, Sparky weighs merely 850 grams, which makes it easy to hold in your hand. It features 14 degrees of freedom that allow it to move fluidly, enabling it to walk, jump, and even dance.
Hengbot has created Sparky with a bionic linkage design, meaning its legs imitate natural movement while maintaining mechanical efficiency. Users have the option to enhance the power system by changing its actuator units, similar to upgrading a motor in a high-performance RC vehicle. Furthermore, its customizable outer shell lets users personalize the robot’s look, much like changing phone cases.
Engaging and Interactive Features
Sparky is not only about movement; it’s also about interaction. The robot can comprehend and react to commands, supporting various control methods, including a specific app, remote controller, and even AR/VR interfaces. It is equipped with a built-in microphone and camera simulation system that allows it to recognize and respond to its environment, although the camera effect on the front panel is purely for show.
The robot also includes a drag-and-drop teaching mode, enabling users to create movement sequences without needing coding knowledge. By recording in the software and physically showing an action, users can program Sparky to mimic tasks, ranging from simple tricks to complex dance routines.
Specifications and Availability
In terms of specifications, Sparky has a touch sensor on its head, a display screen, a camera, a speaker, an SD card slot, a USB port, and ear buttons for extra control and customization options. With dimensions of 250×130×250mm, it stays compact while supporting a maximum load of 300g. It operates well in temperatures between 10-30°C, offers a runtime exceeding 45 minutes, and can move at a maximum speed of 0.4m/s.
Sparky operates on Linux and is compatible with C, C++, and Python programming languages, making it an ideal platform for developers. It uses a PD30W power interface, guaranteeing efficient and reliable charging for extended use.
Before it becomes widely available, Sparky will first launch on Kickstarter, with an expected price between $500 and $600. After the crowdfunding campaign, it will be sold on websites like Amazon, targeting tech enthusiasts, hobbyists, and AI developers seeking an engaging platform.
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