Petoi Bittle review: If someone arms this robotic dog, it’s all over

This robotic dog is more than just a fun toy - it’s a platform for STEM learning. Just don’t got arming it, alright?

The Petoi Bittle

WHAT IS IT? A robotic dog.

NO IT ISN’T. Well, call it an “open-source, servo-actuated quadruped” if you must. But you can make the Bittle – which is 11cm tall and weighs 290g – do lots of doggy things using the remote control.

SUCH AS? Walk forwards and backwards, run, turn, sit, stretch, shake hands, and cock its back leg to “pee”. If it falls over or goes belly-up, it’ll automatically right itself.

VERY COOL. BUT YOU’LL SOON GET BORED. That’s just the start, though. Install the Petoi app on your computer or phone and you can code new commands to make it do anything you want, like climb steps, dance, or perform backflips.

SO IT’S NOT JUST A TOY, BUT A STEM ROBOTICS KIT? Exactly. It’s open-source software so you can rewrite it any way you like, and also add accessories and sensors. With a motion-sensor camera, Bittle can be taught to obey hand commands, and its head will track to follow a moving object.

SOUNDS A BIT CREEPY. Yes. It’s only a matter of time before someone arms a Bittle, then it’s all over for the human race.

$370 plus shipping, petoi.com