Dog Day of Summer: AI-powered, emotionally deft robotic canine “Sirius” available for pre-order

Hengbot has launched Sirius, an AI-powered robotic dog companion designed to serve as a customizable digital pet for households. The chihuahua-sized robot features emotional intelligence, voice recognition, and programmable behaviors, marking a significant advancement in consumer robotics as AI technology makes sophisticated robotic pets more accessible to mainstream audiences.

What you should know: Sirius represents a new generation of AI-enhanced robotic pets that can learn, interact, and develop personality traits through advanced machine learning capabilities.

• The robot stands roughly 10 inches tall, weighs 2.2 pounds, and is constructed from aerospace-grade alloy for responsive movement.
• It features up to 5 TOPS of edge computing power (roughly equivalent to a mid-range smartphone’s processing capability), USB-C peripheral expansion, and a 2250mAh battery offering 40-to-60 minutes of playtime.
• Users can teach Sirius tricks, upload custom facial expressions, and program dance routines through a game-like visual editor requiring no coding experience.

How it works: Sirius utilizes Hengbot’s proprietary Neurocore system to process voice commands, recognize gestures, and respond to natural language interactions.

• The robot can mimic real dog movements including jumping, stretching, and dancing while developing its own personality over time.
• Voice recognition and image processing capabilities allow Sirius to understand both verbal commands and physical gestures from users.
• A visual programming interface enables owners to choreograph custom behaviors and sync gestures with voice commands.

The big picture: While robotic pets have existed since Sony’s Aibo launched in 1999, recent AI advancements are finally making emotionally intelligent robot companions viable for consumer adoption.

• Previous robotic pets lacked the sophisticated AI capabilities now available, limiting their ability to form meaningful bonds with owners.
• Sirius positions itself as part of “a new kind of robotic species” that can adapt and grow with its human companions.

What they’re saying: “With Sirius, we didn’t just build a robot, we created the first of a new kind of robotic species,” said Peiheng Song, CEO of Hengbot.

• “Powered by our Neurocore system, Sirius marks the start of a growing universe of intelligent, customizable robots designed to bring your imagination to life.”

Market availability: Sirius is now available for pre-order at Hengbot.com starting at $1,299 with free worldwide shipping, with general availability expected in Fall 2025.