AI Robots Mimicking Puppies
Companies and researchers released several AI robots in late 2025 that look and act like puppies or pets. They respond to voices, touch, and people with shy or curious behaviors. These bots aim for companionship, education, or fun.
Mirumi Clips On for Curiosity
Yukai Engineering’s Mirumi showed up at CES 2025 as a furry clip-on bot. It attaches to bags with long arms and turns its head side to side like a curious infant. A distance sensor makes it focus on nearby people, then shake its head away if touched suddenly—like a bashful puppy.
It’s now on Kickstarter for preorder, per The Verge. Early backers pay 18,360 yen (about $118) for gray, pink, or ivory fur. Regular Kickstarter price hits 21,803 yen ($140), with retail at $150. Shipping starts April 2026, though delays happen with crowdfunding.
PuppyPi Teaches Through Tricks
University of Alabama students built PuppyPi, nicknamed Scuffy, in a capstone project. This open-source quadruped hears its wake word “Scuffy,” then uses AI for voice commands. It sits, stands, walks, does pushups, detects colors, recognizes faces, and shakes hands.
- Built in the Human Technology Interaction Lab under Dr. Chris Crawford.
- Started from a school visit where a student requested a puppy robot.
- Combines robotics with natural language AI for student outreach.
Read more in University of Alabama News.
MingZhu’s Upgraded Robot Dog Talks Back
MingZhu Technology in China launched an AI-upgraded robot dog in December 2025. It handles natural conversations, recognizes multiple family members, calls phones, co-creates stories, chats in English or Chinese dialects, and plays role games.
- 21 remote control functions.
- 8-hour battery, adjustable volume.
- Learns user habits, clear audio, no overheating or lag.
Available now through channels; previous version had just 15 functions and basic commands. Details from The Manila Times.
Huawei’s Hanhan Feels Emotions
Huawei’s Smart Hanhan is a small fluffball (8.2 x 8 x 6.8 cm, 140g) with arms, legs, and round eye displays. It reacts to touch or voice via HarmonyOS 5 chatbot, adjusts tone to user mood, records talks for a mood diary, and learns about owners.
- Colors: yellow, blue, gray; add glasses, hats, ribbons.
- 6-8 hours active use, recharge every other day (1,800 mAh battery).
- ¥399 ($57) in China; 3-month subscription included.
NotebookCheck.net covered it here.
Casio’s Moflin Builds Personality
Casio’s Moflin costs $429 and reacts to touch, sound, and presence. It nuzzles hands, tilts its head at voices, and makes chirps. Over weeks, it develops a unique personality through emotional recognition.
Forbes reviewed the furry, rounded bot.
Unitree Go2 Air Hits Stores
Unitree Go2 Air robot dog handles home tasks and landed in supermarkets for sale. ATB Digital.
These robots range from educational tools to home pals, all using AI for lifelike pet vibes. Prices start at $57, with tricks from basic head turns to full dialogues.
