Looking for the best Petoi Bittle Robot Dog review? This review is probably all you need to get to know more about the new capabilities of this fun little gadget. Well, Petoi Bittle Robot Dog is not just a toy; it is also a great STEM teaching aid that helps tech enthusiasts learn more about robotics and coding.
Petoi Bittle is a four-legged tiny but powerful robot dog that has taken the robotics world by storm. Developed by Petoi LLC, a company based in San Francisco, California, this programmable bittle robot dog is designed to mimic the movements and behavior of a real dog.
With its sleek and modern design, advanced programming, and interactive features, this palm sized robot pet is quickly becoming a popular choice for robotics enthusiasts, pet lovers, and tech geeks alike. This robot dog is packed with advanced technology, including an open-source software and hardware platform that allows users to customize and program its behavior to suit their needs.
It is equipped with a variety of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, and infrared sensor, which allow it to navigate its environment and interact with objects and people. Let’s take a close look at how this petoi bittle robot dog functions.
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At a glance
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1-minute Petoi Bittle Robot dog review
Built on Petoi’s OpenCat open-source platform, the Petoi Bittle Robot Dog is a DIY, servo-based robot dog toy controllable via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and an infrared remote control. While the invention is one of the iconic releases in today’s technological era and game world, it is also educational. You can play with it or you can use it to practice programming commands and recognizing interactive features. Since it has a complex built, it is recommended to be used for ages at least 14 years old and above.
Bittle comes with voice recognition technology. For instance, you can say “Hi” or “Pee” programming bittle and it will follow the command. Imagine the robot dog to be just like your real pet dog. It can also do “push-ups” or “play dead”, depending on the command you’re using. It’s fun, exicting, and definitely stimulating for small kids. It is recommended for ages at least 14 years old and above but we recommend parental guidance.
The package comes disassembled in a kit but once assembled, it provides a fun and educational build. You can operate it and trigger basic or sophisticated movements via remote control, mobile app or a number of different programming options. You can make it dance, run, or walk. It’s all up to you!
- Useful STEM tool
- Compatible with different programming languages
- + 16-lesson programming course
- Very lightweight
- Compact (6-inches tall)
- Extensions available
- Active online community
- Strong, sturdy construction
- Calibration is fiddly
- Complex assembly requirement
- Difficult charging
- Screwdrivers are too small
- Head is a little flimsy
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Let’s take a closer look
How it works
How Petoi Bittle works as a robot dog toy and educational aid is amazing. At the heart of the Petoi Bittle is an open-source hardware and software platform that allows you to customize your own robot, and program its behavior to suit their needs. This platform is based on the Arduino platform, which is a popular platform for building interactive electronics projects. As a user, you can easily modify and customize the Petoi Bittle’s behavior by writing their own code and uploading it to the robot’s onboard microcontroller.
The Petoi Bittle robot dog can navigate its environment and interact with objects and people with such dynamic maneuverability using a variety of built-in sensors such as accelerometer, gyroscope, and infrared sensor. Whenever your robot dog detects objects in proximity, it will roll over or crawl. The features are actually more advanced than you can imagine. Unlike other robot toys, it seems like it can function independently. As long as it has a battery life, it can crawl and even dance.
Key features
Open-source platform
The Petoi Bittle is a compact system built on an open-source platform allowing you to easily modify and customize the robot’s behavior by writing their own code and uploading it to the customized arduino board microcontroller. It also has a raspberry pi support and also allows for a high degree of customization and flexibility, making the robot ideal for experimentation and learning.
Advanced sensors
The Petoi Bittle is equipped with a variety of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, and infrared sensor. These sensors allow the robot to detect its orientation, movement, and proximity to objects, enabling it to navigate its environment and interact with objects and people. This allows the Petoi Bittle to perform a variety of movements and behaviors, making it highly interactive and engaging.
Compact and lightweight design
The Petoi Bittle is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and take with you wherever you go. Its four-legged design allows it to navigate a variety of terrain types, including carpet, hardwood floors, and even outdoor environments.
Despite its small size, the Petoi Bittle is also highly durable, thanks to its high-quality materials, including 3D-printed plastic body parts and high-strength polymers. It is an ideal companion for robotics enthusiasts, pet lovers, and anyone looking for a fun and engaging new gadget.
Performance
The Petoi Bittle can run, jump, roll, crawl, or walk depending on the command you’re giving to it. Using its four, flexible legs, it can even dance and provide entertaining exhibitions to its owner. With its Arduino compatible motion controller you can control the bittle dog using onboard sensors and accelerometer, one organic system which detects the robot’s orientation and movement.
For advanced applications, developers and STEM educators can modify the Bittle C code and allow it to perform varied tasks with more action, since it is a completely open source project. Bittle has a rich curriculum resource with 16 exclusive graphical programming and free online coding courses and expansion packs. That means, it’s not just an ordinary toy. It can be a great tool for hobbyists and bionic enthusiasts to conduct experimentation and coding on this fun robot dog.
The robot can also be controlled and programmed using a smartphone tablet, android app or the petoi desktop or mobile app itself, allowing you to customize its behavior. Albeit the palm-size feature of the Petoi Bittle Robot Dog, it can do more than many other bigger robots.
Limitations
Short battery life
One of the potential downsides of the Petoi Bittle Robot Dog is its short battery life. Depending on usage, the robot’s battery can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. You need to charge it more frequently, which is inconvenient. There are several reasons why the Petoi Bittle has a short battery life. First, the robot has sensors and motors that require a lot of power to operate. Second, since it is small and lightweight there is limited space for a large battery.
On the bright side, there are several ways you can extend the Petoi Bittle’s battery life. One option is to limit the robot’s usage to shorter periods of time, allowing the battery to fully recharge about one hour between uses. Another option is to reduce the robot’s power consumption by disabling certain features, such as the LED lights or the sound effects or get an extra battery.
Head falls off easily
The robot has puzzle-like body composition with a head panning, head clip and detachable neck during collision. However, there have been many complaints about its head that falls off easily which can be frustrating and may impact the overall experience of using the robot.
To make sure it doesn’t fall, carefully position the robot’s head and body to ensure that the magnet is correctly aligned and engaged. You may add additional adhesive or magnets to keep its body frame head in place and allow it to perform more complex tasks. Even so, you need to be selective with whatever additions you’ll introduce to the system. Some parts can highly be sensitive and easily damaged when improperly engaged.
Difficult to charge
Some users have reported that the Petoi Bittle Robot Dog is difficult to charge because it is too small. The problem lies in the limited space for the charging port. Since it is located in a small and somewhat hidden location, it is hard to locate and access. This could pose a major disadvantage for people with big hands.
Calibration is fiddly
One unique requirement before you can use this robot is that you have to calibrate it. Calibration is the process of adjusting the robot’s sensors and motors to ensure that it moves and operates correctly. It is an important step that ensures the robot can move smoothly and perform various actions and behaviors accurately.
This process, however, requires precise and delicate touch. You need to carefully adjust the robot’s sensors and motors to ensure that they are properly aligned and functioning correctly. Any small misalignment can cause the whole robot not to move or behave erratically, which can be frustrating and impact the overall experience of using the robot. If you’re new to technology, it may take several attempts to get the calibration just right.
Ease of set up and use
Petoi Bittle comes disassembled in a package and it will take you at least 30-60 minutes to assemble. But if you don’t fancy putting it all together, you can buy the pre assembled kit option at a higher price. The latest bittle construction kit design came in 2020 with a fully pre assembled bittle body chassis made from durable plastic material, and with all the hardware and neck already in place.
Ongoing maintenance
While Petoi Robot may look complex, it doesn’t require sophisticated maintenance to be in tip-top shape. In general, you need to keep it clean and safe from corrosive materials. Check for wear and tear such as loose parts, frayed wires, or any damage that may affect its performance. Charge the battery regularly and follow manufacturer’s instruction. You may also need to calibrate bittle periodically to check for system and software issue.
Extra purchases and ongoing costs
Petoi Bittle Robot Dog comes in a simple packaging with calibration joint tuner, micro usb charging cable, IR Remote Control USB Adaptor and one spare servo to actuate Bittle’s joins for replacement. The servos can either be robotic for experiment and research or plastic for fun and educational purposes. There is also a free screw driver but if it is too small for you, you need to have one in your toolbox. Expect several trial and error when calibrating the robot.
Since it is just a programmable robot dog, it doesn’t need a full body status as much as fighting robots do. Moreover, you may need to purchase extra batteries if you want to prolong its use. You should be extra careful when playing with the robot dog as it does spare parts available. The good news about assembled robot, is – it can still function even without its head.
FAQs
Can I buy a Petoi Bittle Robot Dog for my child?
In general, Petoi Robot is recommended for ages 14 years old and above. Since it requires a complex calibration process and may break apart when thrown, it may not be suitable for kids at a very tender age.
What kind of programming language is used to program the Petoi Bittle Robot?
The Petoi Bittle Robot can be programmed using the Arduino IDE, which is based on the C++ programming language. Users can also create custom programs using Scratch or Python.
What kind of sensors does the Petoi Bittle Robot have?
The Petoi Bittle Robot comes with a range of sensors, including an IMU (inertial measurement unit), which detects the robot’s operating body status and helps it balance and move, and an intelligent camera module sensor that detects body status and integrates multiple vision recognition algorithms for visual recognition. It also has touch sensors on its feet and tail, which can be used to trigger various actions.
Can the Petoi Bittle Robot be customized?
Yes, the Petoi Bittle Robot is designed to be customizable. You can modify its physical appearance and add or remove sensors and other components. You can also program it with the customized Arduino board coordinating specific movements and actions.
How long do you think will the battery of Petoi Bittle Robot last?
The robot can run for approximately 30-45 minutes on a full charge with continuous use.
Is Petoi Bittle worth it?
Whether the Petoi Bittle robot is worth it or not depends on what you are looking for in a robot and what you plan to do with it. If you are interested in robotics and programming and enjoy tinkering with gadgets, then the Petoi Bittle may be worth it for you.
It can provide a fun and educational way to learn about robotics and experiment with different programming concepts. However, if you are looking for a more advanced robot with a longer battery life and more advanced features, the Petoi Bittle may not meet your needs.
Final thoughts
Overall, the Petoi Bittle is an impressive piece of technology that combines advanced hardware and software technologies to create a highly interactive and engaging experience. Its ability to mimic the movements and behavior of a real dog, coupled with its compact and lightweight design, make it an ideal companion for robotics enthusiasts, pet lovers, and anyone looking for a fun and engaging new gadget.
Whether you are a robotics enthusiast, a pet lover, or simply someone looking for a fun and engaging new gadget, the Petoi Bittle is definitely worth considering.