Four robots with cameras and Wi-Fi, that can be connected to an AI assistant with some setup (bridge code on the robot's Raspberry Pi). Two arrive mostly built (check listing); two are kits you build yourself.
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The Rider-Pi is mostly built: the CM4 arrives assembled according to the maker (the battery isn't listed as included), and the CM5's Amazon listing says some assembly is required, so check the listing. The Raspberry Pi compute module is built in. You still set up the AI connection yourself, which takes some technical skill. You pay more for that convenience.
Price band 3 of 3: premium, mostly built
Raspberry Pi CM4 built in. Check the Amazon listing for what's in the box
Price band 3 of 3: premium, mostly built
Raspberry Pi CM5 built in. Check the Amazon listing for what's in the box
Cheaper and fun to build, and you'll learn how your robot works along the way. Set aside an afternoon or two, and add your own Raspberry Pi.
Price band 1 of 3: budget kit
Needs a Raspberry Pi and batteries (not included)
Price band 2 of 3: mid-range kit
Needs a Raspberry Pi (not included)
Price bands are our rough guide, last checked October 2026: £ budget (usually under £150), ££ mid-range (usually £150 to £250), £££ premium (usually over £250). They aren't live prices, so check today's price on Amazon. Illustrations are our own drawings, not product photos.
| Yahboom Rider-Pi (CM4) | Yahboom Rider-Pi (CM5) | Freenove Robot Dog | SunFounder PiDog | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Mostly built (check listing) | Mostly built (check listing) | Kit | Kit |
| Type | Wheel-legged | Wheel-legged | Four-legged walker | Four-legged walker |
| Price band | £££ premium | £££ premium | £ budget | ££ mid-range |
| Raspberry Pi | Built in (CM4) | Built in (CM5, faster) | Buy separately | Buy separately |
| Camera | Yes, 5MP | Yes, 5MP | Yes | Yes (in its nose) |
| Mic and speaker | Built in | Built in | Add your own (USB) | Built in |
| Face | 2-inch screen | 2-inch screen | Sensor "eyes" | Sensor "eyes" + light bar |
| Build time | None per maker (check listing) | Some assembly (per listing) | A long afternoon | An afternoon |
| Best for | Skipping the build for less | Skipping the build, fastest | Tinkerers on a budget | Most people who enjoy building |
Whichever bot you choose, these are the things that make the difference once it's connected to your AI assistant.
Essential if you want your AI to look around for you. Check where it's mounted: a camera on the head or nose sees what the robot is facing.
Built in means no voice add-ons. Without them, you'll add a small USB mic and speaker, or chat through your phone instead.
Wi-Fi lets you control it from your phone or computer at home, and a Raspberry Pi brain is what makes it possible to connect these bots to an AI assistant, with some setup.
Expect hours of use, not days. Think about where it'll charge, so it's topped up for next time.
Kits are cheaper, fun to build and teach you how the robot works, but take an afternoon or two. Mostly built bots cost more and skip most of the build, but connecting the AI still takes some setup and technical skill.
The Rider-Pi comes with either a Raspberry Pi CM4 or the newer, faster CM5 compute module. The CM4 version costs less; the CM5 version feels snappier with camera and voice tasks.
Legs cope with small bumps, wheels are faster on smooth floors. None of these bots can do stairs.
Not sure how it all fits together? See how it works, or read our honest FAQ.
Go for the Freenove Robot Dog. Cheapest way in, and you'll know every screw.
The SunFounder PiDog. Voice built in, tail-wagging included.
The Yahboom Rider-Pi (CM5). Mostly built (some assembly, per the listing), with a screen for a face and the faster brain.
The Yahboom Rider-Pi (CM4). Same robot, older and slower brain, lower price.
