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Tech firm’s robo-dogs have their day in China as pet ownership booms
- AlphaDog uses sensors and artificial intelligence technology to ‘hear’ and ‘see’ and can be taken for walks
- Its Nanjing-based developers are targeting the consumer market and hope it can benefit the visually impaired in the future
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It’s whip fast, obeys commands and doesn’t leave unpleasant surprises on the floor – meet the AlphaDog, a robotic response to two of China’s burgeoning loves: pets and technology.
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The hi-tech hound uses sensors and artificial intelligence technology to “hear” and “see” its environment – and can even be taken for walks.
“It’s really very similar to a real dog,” says Ma Jie, chief technology officer at Weilan, the company behind the product.
AlphaDog follows in the paw prints of “Spot”, a four-legged machine designed for industrial use by Boston Dynamics that became an internet sensation after appearing in a series of viral YouTube videos.
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New arm extension allows robot dog ‘Spot’ to open a door for you
New arm extension allows robot dog ‘Spot’ to open a door for you
Its Nanjing-based creators are instead targeting the consumer market and say their robot dog – which moves at a speed of almost 15km (9 miles) per hour and spins on the spot like an excited puppy – is the fastest on the market.
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