The conventional notion of ‘walking the dog’ may soon take a really swift turn.
According to TODAYonline, a Chinese tech company has come up with AlphaDog: the mechanical counterpart of our much-loved canines.
Apart from behaving really similar to a real dog, they would also be absent of any major toilet incidents, and can even move at a speed of almost 15 kilometres per hour.
Somewhere in this world, a chubby, lazy Pomeranian is fearing for its future.
Chinese Tech Company Develops 4-Legged Robot Dog Called AlphaDog
According to the news report, the high tech hound is able to interpret its environment with the help of sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
It also imitates canine habits to an outstanding degree, and is purportedly able to spin on the spot like a puppy.
“It’s really very similar to a real dog,” says Mr Ma Jie, chief technology officer at Weilan, the company which created the product.
In fact, it’s said to be even more stable than the real deal.
“It can predict the friction and height of the ground (to) adjust its height, adjust the stride frequency, and adapt to the environment,” he tells AFP.
And of course, the touted capability of running nearly 15 kilometres per hour doesn’t hurt.
Apparently, the tech model operates in an autonomous fashion with the assistance of 5G technology.
Further software updates are also expected in the future, with the likes of actual “barking” features and even “personalities”.
The current battery life may also be extended.
It seems that the creators may even incorporate human voices into the technology, thus allowing entire conversations between dog and owner.
Well, there goes every talking dog movie ever.
Commercial Success
It appears that the visionary combination of pets and technology has moved the consumer market.
In the first month of sales alone, the AlphaDog has seen more than 1,800 models swept off the shelves.
That, despite a staggering price tag of 16,000 yuan, which translates to $3,280 in Singaporean currency.
“Orders are mostly from computer developers, tech geeks, and also kids, who really seem to like it,” said Mr Ma.
Near Future
Developers have since hoped that their robot-dog creation will be able to assist the vulnerable one day.
The visually impaired, for instance, could potentially appreciate the help of an AlphaDog.
“To help the disabled is a important developing direction for us,” says Mr Ma. “When the robot dog has the function of vision, hearing and dialogue too, it can easily interact with disabled people, and lead them to the supermarket or the bus.”
This certainly complements an increased focus on robot-affiliated usage in China, with techies allegedly utilised to send parcels, serve in restaurants and somehow, take throat swab tests.
All of a sudden, Detroit: Become Human doesn’t seem that far-fetched an idea.
Robots On Local Shores
The same can be said for our local shores too.
Aside from cleaning assistance, robots have also been designated the tasks of sending parcels and groceries, as well as food deliveries.
They have also been deployed for false ceiling inspections, mapping of mosquitoes and, curiously, the turn-away of pigeons and mynahs.
As the older folks may claim:
“Foreign workers not enough, now even robots want to take our jobs.”
Featured Image: Facebook (China Xinhua Sci-Tech)
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