Experts believe that the launch of a new auto dog by Shenzhen enterprise Dobot showcases the potential of versatile and cost-effective robots in the home. Emphasizing the diverse demands for robotic applications in home environment, they called for rapid hardware upgrades to fully unlock market opportunities.

On Monday, Dobot launched Rover X1, an intelligent robot dog that integrates industrial-level technology into home applications. Priced at 7,499 yuan ($1,030) and equipped with versatile functions, it stands out in the pack of consumer-level robot dogs.

Through technological optimization, it achieves precise perception and obstacle avoidance in complex environments like home and outdoor settings, navigating various terrains while carrying items.

READ MORE: Robot makers eye HK as gateway to world markets amid rising demand

Incorporating a system for consumers to further develop its capabilities, Rover X1 can perform multiple tasks like transporting items, filming, home security patrol, coding education, and emotional companionship. On the first day of its launch, Rover X1 received over 5,000 reservations.

Tan Weijia, secretary general of the Shenzhen Robotics Association, said that although the technology for robot dogs has advanced significantly in recent years, Dobot has maintained its technical threshold by combining different functional modules into one product while keeping an affordable price. Currently, China’s consumer-grade robotic dogs generally cost between 8,000 and 20,000 yuan.

This achievement demands high-level capabilities in supply chain management, technology integration, and market understanding, reflecting the strength of Shenzhen's robotics industry, she said.

Currently, single-function home robots, such as those for cleaning, companionship, and education, have been explored quite thoroughly. However, some products are relatively expensive, affecting market acceptance. In this context, the emergence of comprehensive home robots like Rover X1 becomes a new option for families eager to experience robots.

In future, any area currently not covered by smart home appliances presents an opportunity for robotic applications. As these robots become increasingly intelligent and more personalized to suit different household needs, they are expected to take on all household chores and become new members of the family, Tan said.

To promote the large-scale commercialization of these products, she believes it is crucial for more companies to identify entry points into home environments with their advantages. Additionally, they may also need to adjust hardware designs based on specific needs and leverage latest industry trends to reduce equipment costs.

Qiu He, executive secretary-general of the Shenzhen Intelligent Terminal Industry Association, noted that Rover X1 precisely meets the demands of two high-frequency scenarios: home environments and outdoor travel, demonstrating a highly targeted product positioning.

He added that home application is a major vision for robot design and a clear development direction for the industry. China’s development strategy for robot industry during the 14th Five-year Plan period (2021 - 2025) explicitly designates home service robots as a key area.

For now, cleaning is the most common application for household robots. He believes that future trends like an aging population and a growing number of single-person households will create significant application potential for elderly care, cooking, housekeeping, and even emotional support robots.

Moving forward, Qiu hopes that hardware development — such as motors, joints, and electronic controls — can keep pace with the advancement of software like AI large models to promote wide application of home robots. He also called for increased efforts to address the challenge of extending the products’ operational time.

READ MORE: Robots take center stage as Canton Fair showcases smart tech, creativity

While home scenarios demand higher standards in motion precision than industrial ones, and many products are evolving toward human-like capabilities, many tasks don't require human-level flexibility. Instead, drawing on the strengths of various organisms can solve practical problems more effectively, he said.

“As soon as this AI robot product launched, I pre-ordered it immediately and shared it with my friends — not only for its affordable price, but also because it enables me to experience the latest AI trends in such an intimate and interactive way,” said Summer Wang, a Shenzhen resident who works in overseas channel marketing for tech-related businesses.

“I want to start with a product that fits into daily life to better understand AI and robotics, and see how practically useful such devices can be for average people in the long run.”

Contact the writers at bingcun@chinadailyhk.com