- What Is Hengbot Sirius?
- Key Takeaways
- Quick Take
- Price, Campaign Status, and Buying Notes
- What Hengbot Sirius Can Do
- Hands-On Review Concerns
- Kickstarter Comments: Positive Feedback and Improvement Requests
- Unitree Go2 Comparison: Same Robot Dog Category, Different Direction
- Specs Summary
- Who Hengbot Sirius May Suit
- Who Should Be Careful
- Hengbot Sirius vs. Mia
- FAQ
- Summary
What Is Hengbot Sirius?
Hengbot Sirius is a compact AI robot dog launched through Kickstarter. It is positioned around a 1kg-class body, multimodal AI interaction, more than 1,000 motions, and developer-friendly customization.
Image source: Hengbot official website
According to BackerKit, the Kickstarter campaign ran from July 10, 2025 to August 24, 2025 and raised $912,768 from 1,150 backers against a $5,000 goal. At 160 yen per dollar, $912,768 is about 146.04 million yen.
Sirius sits between a polished companion robot like Sony aibo and a high-performance quadruped robot like Unitree Go2. It looks like a small robot dog, but its real appeal is closer to a developer-friendly gadget that lets users customize movement, personality, and AI behavior.
Key Takeaways
What Hengbot Sirius Is
- A compact AI robot dog from Hengbot
- A Kickstarter project that raised $912,768 from 1,150 backers
- Built around a 1kg-class body, 14-axis movement, and more than 1,000 motions
- Designed for voice commands, AI personality, custom actions, and controller-based play
- Positioned for developers through API and Creator Studio features
- Best suited for flat indoor spaces
What Looks Good
- Smaller and easier to place than larger quadruped robots such as Unitree Go2
- The movement, face, voice, and personality customization are interesting
- It can work as a hands-on robotics learning platform
- CNET/Yahoo Tech and Hengbot materials show soccer, dancing, voice commands, and controller play
- The Kickstarter result shows strong interest in this robot dog category
What Needs Caution
- Hands-on reviews and backer comments raise concerns about falls, connection issues, and voice-command reliability
- Battery life appears better suited to short play sessions than all-day companion use
- Water resistance, smart home integration, and real household usability need careful checking
- It feels more like a gadget for robot enthusiasts than a simple toy for children
- As a Kickstarter product, shipping, warranty, support, and specification changes require caution
Quick Take
Hengbot Sirius is less “a future dog for your home” and more “a small quadruped robot you can customize with AI.”
The movement is fun: walking, dancing, sitting, standing, soccer play, and expressive gestures. If the motion library and Creator Studio mature, Sirius could become a good platform for people who want to build their own robot dog behaviors.
The concerns are also clear. Hands-on reviews and Kickstarter comments point to falls, unstable connections, weak voice interaction, limited app readiness, update problems, and short battery life.
Do not expect Unitree Go2-level mobility or spatial awareness. Also do not expect the same daily conversation role as Mia. Sirius is best for people who want to tinker with a robot dog, not simply adopt a finished pet robot.
Price, Campaign Status, and Buying Notes
Kickstarter Price Signals
BackerKit lists the Hengbot Sirius campaign at $912,768 raised. The $5,000 goal and 18,255% funding rate show how much attention this robot dog received.
CNX Software reports that the Super Early Bird Kickstarter reward was $859, while the developer-oriented Sirius EDU reward was $1,059. At 160 yen per dollar, $859 is about 137,440 yen and $1,059 is about 169,440 yen.
CNET/Yahoo Tech describes Sirius as a $1,299 robot dog. At 160 yen per dollar, that is about 207,840 yen.
What To Check Before Buying
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Sales status | Kickstarter, preorder, or retail availability |
| Price | Body price, shipping, customs, replacement parts, EDU/developer extras |
| Japan shipping | Availability, cost, delivery timing, and return terms |
| Warranty | Hengbot promotes one-year warranty and customer support |
| Radio compliance | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth use in Japan need checking |
| App | Japanese UI, Japanese voice, and support language |
| Safety | Falls, moving joints, and use around children or pets |
| Long-term use | Battery, servos, spare parts, and software updates |
Sirius is not a cheap plush robot. It is a moving quadruped robot with mechanical joints. Before buying, check not only the price but also repair options, spare parts, and whether support is usable from Japan.
What Hengbot Sirius Can Do
Walk, Dance, and Play Like a Small Robot Dog
Sirius is designed as a small quadruped robot that can walk, dance, play soccer, sit, stand, and express itself through body movement.
Image source: Hengbot official website
CNET/Yahoo Tech describes Sirius as using 14 axes across the legs and head, with custom joints designed to create dog-like motion. Hengbot also shows controller and VR headset use for soccer-style play.
It is not a robot dog meant to run freely outdoors. CNET/Yahoo Tech notes that Sirius is mainly suited to flat indoor surfaces, not stairs or rough terrain.
Customize Personality and Movement With AI
The interesting part of Sirius is customization.
CNET/Yahoo Tech reports that Sirius is designed to work with large language models such as OpenAI for voice commands and personality changes. The idea includes breed-like personalities, facial reactions, voice packs, and custom motion creation.
Sirius is not just a walking robot dog. It is a robot users can teach, modify, and experiment with.
Image source: Hengbot official website
Use It for Developer and STEM Projects
CNX Software summarizes Sirius with developer-oriented elements such as an 8MP camera, dual microphones, speaker, 5 TOPS AI accelerator, C/Python API, and Creator Studio.
For people interested in robot control, speech recognition, computer vision, motion design, and Python extension, Sirius can be a hands-on learning platform.
At the same time, it is not a household appliance that everyone can use without explanation. App setup, connectivity, charging, fall recovery, and motion creation require patience.
Official Video
Hengbot’s official site includes an unboxing and demo video for Sirius.
The video makes Sirius look like a robot for movement and experimentation rather than a quiet emotional companion.
Hands-On Review Concerns
TechRadar Treats It More Like an Experimental Developer Robot
TechRadar/Yahoo Tech sees potential in Sirius as an AI-first robot dog, but also points out that it does not yet feel like a polished household companion.
Important cautions include:
- It may not feel safe or simple enough as a child-focused pet
- It lacks IP water and dust resistance
- Google Home, Amazon, and Apple smart home integration is limited
- It is interesting for experimentation, but less convincing as a finished home pet robot
That distinction matters. Sirius makes more sense as a future-feeling robot gadget than as a low-maintenance family pet.
Gizmodo Highlights Falls, Connections, and Voice Issues
Gizmodo Japan’s review is more critical. It recognizes dog-like movement and controller-linked play, but it also raises issues around frequent falls, unstable connections, and unreliable voice commands.
For a moving robot dog, those are not small details. Falls, heat, noise, moving joints, and connection loss are part of real-world use. If children or real pets are nearby, Sirius should be used in an open space and supervised.
Kickstarter Comments: Positive Feedback and Improvement Requests
The Kickstarter comment section shows a clear split. Some backers enjoy the robot once it arrives. Others are frustrated by app delays, support delays, update problems, and missing educational material.
Positive Feedback: Build and Movement Can Be Appealing
Positive comments focus on the physical build, the robot dog feel, and the enjoyment of figuring it out.
One backer said the robot connected to the network and updated successfully, while noting that the controller still required trial and error. Their short verdict on the body was:
This seems beautifully built.
Another backer said the tools were lacking, but they were able to get it running with persistence and still get the robot to do a few things.
I’m treating it like a puppy.
A more technical backer reported running their own speech recognition and local language model on a Mac, using an external microphone and local commands such as “Hey Jarvis, Sit.” Their view of the physical robot was positive:
The robot itself in terms of movement are pretty amazing.
These comments suggest that Sirius can be enjoyable for people who like solving setup problems and exploring what the hardware can do.
Improvement Feedback: App, Support, Updates, and AI Setup Are Pain Points
The critical comments are specific. Backers mention missing remote controls, no working app, missing EDU material, slow technical support, controller connection failures, and update problems.
One backer reported that their order was missing the remote control and that support stopped responding after asking for proof. They also pointed to the lack of an app and educational content.
Another asked where the EDU material was and why “Direct-to-Expert Technical Support” had not replied after more than a week. Hengbot responded in the comments with an apology, a new email, EDU materials, and a note that the campaign exceeded expectations and support volume was high.
The 2.4.8 update also appears to have caused problems for some users. One backer wrote:
The 2.4.8 update essentially bricked my robot.
Several comments also show that AI conversation is not a simple out-of-box experience. A technically skilled backer explained that speech recognition and language model services needed configuration, and that the default speech service was slow.
The overall impression is that the robot hardware is interesting, but the app, education material, AI setup, support workflow, and update process still need work.
What the Comments Mean Before Buying
| Area | Positive feedback | Improvement requests |
|---|---|---|
| Build | Some backers like the build quality and appearance | Missing accessories and unclear included parts are reported |
| Movement | The robot dog motion can be fun | Updates may reduce or break expected controls |
| Control | Patient users can get it moving | App access, web app access, and controller connection can be difficult |
| AI conversation | Local setups can make voice control faster | Natural voice AI is not simple out of the box |
| Education/development | SSH and API access are interesting for developers | EDU materials and technical support delays frustrate backers |
| Support | Hengbot replies in some comment threads | Slow or missing responses are a repeated complaint |
Before buying, decide whether you want a finished pet robot or a robot dog you can tune and troubleshoot.
If you expect a polished consumer pet, the comments raise real concerns. If you enjoy web apps, SSH, local speech recognition, external microphones, and your own language model setup, Sirius may be an interesting platform.
Unitree Go2 Comparison: Same Robot Dog Category, Different Direction
In an earlier article, we introduced Unitree Go2 as one of the representative robot dog options.
Unitree Go2 is centered on serious quadruped performance: 4D LiDAR, strong motors, stair movement, following behavior, and developer support such as ROS. It can fit research, demos, development, inspection, and event use.
Hengbot Sirius is smaller and more focused on dog-like motion, AI customization, voice commands, and game-like control. It should not be expected to replace Go2’s mobility or spatial awareness.
| Comparison | Hengbot Sirius | Unitree Go2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Compact AI robot dog | High-performance quadruped robot dog |
| Main value | Motion, personality, voice, custom actions | Mobility, spatial awareness, research and demo use |
| Size | 1kg-class compact robot | Larger and more physically capable |
| Price signal | $859 Kickstarter reward to around $1,299 media coverage | Around $1,600+ for overseas Air version, separate domestic pricing |
| Best environment | Flat indoor surfaces | More capable movement including stairs and outdoor following |
| Development | Creator Studio, API, custom motions | ROS, SDK, sensors, developer ecosystem |
| Home caution | Falls, connection, voice recognition, battery | Noise, safety, price, maintenance |
Go2 is a robot dog for performance. Sirius is a robot dog for customization and play. Both need more safety and maintenance awareness than Mia because they use moving joints.
Specs Summary
| Item | Hengbot Sirius |
|---|---|
| Product name | Hengbot Sirius |
| Type | AI robot dog / compact quadruped robot |
| Maker | Hengbot |
| Weight | 1kg class |
| Axes | CNET/Yahoo Tech mentions 14 axes including legs and head |
| Camera | CNX Software mentions an 8MP camera |
| Microphones | CNX Software mentions dual microphones |
| AI processing | 5 TOPS AI accelerator, large language model integration, voice commands, computer vision |
| Motion | Walk, dance, soccer, sit, stand, custom motion |
| Battery | CNET/Yahoo Tech mentions about 40-60 minutes in active use, 1-2 hours idle, about 1 hour charging |
| Development | Creator Studio, C/Python API, custom motions |
| Price signal | $859 Kickstarter reward to around $1,299 media coverage |
| Japan availability | Shipping, support, radio compliance, and app language need checking |
Who Hengbot Sirius May Suit
People Who Want To Tinker With a Robot Dog
Sirius is a customizable robot dog, not a finished emotional companion.
It suits people who want to adjust motions, personality, voice, and code.
Robotics Learners and Developers
If Python, APIs, cameras, speech, and motion control interest you, Sirius can be an engaging learning platform.
Before using it as an educational robot, check documentation, developer support, and repair options.
People Who Find Unitree Go2 Too Large or Expensive
Sirius may appeal to people who like the idea of a quadruped robot but find Unitree Go2 too large or expensive.
Still, Sirius is not a Go2 replacement. Choose Go2 for mobility and stability. Choose Sirius for compact customization and playful robot dog behavior.
Who Should Be Careful
People Expecting an aibo-Like Pet
Sirius looks like a dog, but it is not the same kind of polished companion as Sony aibo.
If you value emotional polish, family friendliness, and long-term low-maintenance use, watch real-user reports carefully before buying.
Homes With Small Children or Real Pets
Sirius has moving joints. Falls, collisions, pinching, and incorrect operation need attention.
It should not be treated like a real puppy by children without supervision.
People Who Mainly Want Conversation
Sirius is about movement and customization.
If your goal is daily greetings, calendar reminders, weather updates, and casual family conversation, a conversational robot such as Mia fits better.
Hengbot Sirius vs. Mia
Hengbot Sirius and Mia are both home-friendly robots, but they solve different problems.
| Comparison | Hengbot Sirius | Mia |
|---|---|---|
| Type | AI robot dog / quadruped robot | Talking AI cat-style pet robot |
| Main value | Walking, dancing, custom motion, developer play | Voice conversation, expressions, dialects, daily prompts |
| Price | $859 to around $1,299 signals | From 9,800 yen including tax |
| Movement | Full-body moving joints | Conversation and facial expression in a safer home format |
| Conversation | Large language model and voice-command concept | Voice conversation |
| Expression | Face screen, lights, and body motion | More than 100 facial expressions |
| Japan use | Japanese support, radio compliance, warranty, and support need checking | Supports 47 Japanese dialects |
| Life support | Developer and customization focus | Google Calendar integration and weather updates |
| Kids use | Supervision is needed while moving | 15 English characters and family-friendly conversation features |
| Best for | People who want to move and modify a robot dog | People who want an affordable talking companion |
Sirius is a robot dog for movement, coding, and experimentation. Mia is a talking cat robot for everyday conversation, expressions, dialects, calendar prompts, and weather updates.
If you want robot dog movement and programming, Sirius is the more relevant choice. If you want an affordable daily conversation robot for the home, Mia is easier to use.
FAQ
How Much Does Hengbot Sirius Cost?
BackerKit lists the Super Early Bird Kickstarter reward at $859. CNET/Yahoo Tech describes Sirius as a $1,299 robot dog. At 160 yen per dollar, $859 is about 137,440 yen and $1,299 is about 207,840 yen.
Can You Buy Hengbot Sirius in Japan?
Hengbot promotes global shipping and warranty support. Japan buyers should check shipping, customs, radio compliance, warranty handling, repair support, and app/support language before ordering.
Is Hengbot Sirius Good for Children?
It is small and dog-shaped, but it should not be treated as a simple children’s toy. Moving joints, falls, water exposure, setup, and voice-command reliability make adult supervision important.
Hengbot Sirius or Unitree Go2: Which Is Better?
Choose Unitree Go2 for serious quadruped mobility, spatial awareness, research, and demo use. Choose Sirius if you want a smaller robot dog for motion customization and AI experimentation.
Is Hengbot Sirius a Direct Competitor to Mia?
Only partly. Sirius is a moving robot dog. Mia is a cat-style robot for conversation, expressions, dialects, and daily prompts. Choose Sirius for motion. Choose Mia for everyday talking companionship.
Summary
Hengbot Sirius is an attention-grabbing AI robot dog with a compact body, 14-axis motion, motion library, AI personality concept, voice commands, and Creator Studio.
The concerns are just as important: falls, connection issues, voice recognition, battery life, app readiness, support delays, update problems, and child-friendliness all need attention.
Compared with Unitree Go2, Sirius is smaller and more focused on customization. Compared with Mia, Sirius is about movement and development, while Mia focuses on conversation, expressions, 47 Japanese dialects, Google Calendar integration, weather updates, and 15 English characters.
Sirius is interesting for people who want to build and tune a robot dog. For everyday family conversation and reminders, Mia remains the simpler option to compare.
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