The bits worth knowing first.

No. The thinking happens online, so expect about 2-5 seconds' delay with a direct AI API, or longer through an assistant, between you speaking and it replying or moving. It's chatty, not lightning fast.

Yes. It needs your home Wi-Fi to reach your AI assistant. If the Wi-Fi or power drops, it can't help until they're back.

Sadly not. Robots this size are great at walking, turning, looking and talking, but fiddly hands-on jobs like picking things up are beyond them for now.

Not if you set it up the way our setup prompt asks: the camera and mic are only used when you ask, with a light or sound to show when they're on. You can switch them off whenever you like.

No. It's a helper you can check in with, not a certified alarm or security system. It's no substitute for a monitored alarm, good locks or a proper camera system.

No, it stays on one floor. Hard floors and low rugs work best; deep carpet can slow the walking bots down.

For most people, the SunFounder PiDog: it has a mic and speaker built in and loads of personality. On a tight budget, the Freenove kit. Don't fancy building anything? The mostly built Yahboom Rider-Pi comes in a cheaper CM4 version (assembled according to the maker) or a faster CM5 version (some assembly required, per its Amazon listing). Check the listing, and you still set up the AI connection.

Not necessarily, but you'll need some technical skill. Our setup prompt asks your AI assistant to guide you one step at a time and tell you what to type, and you'll be working in a terminal on the robot's Raspberry Pi. It may not work first time, and it isn't guaranteed to work with every robot or AI.

You'll need an AI API key or subscription, which may cost money per use. Check your AI provider's pricing before you start.

With supervision, yes. Kits have small parts while you're building, so check the maker's age guidance. These robots can't detect stairs or edges. Physically block them off and keep the robot in one closed room. Some pets take a while to warm to them.

Yes. "View on Amazon" buttons are affiliate links: if you buy, Amazon pays us a small commission and you pay the same price. See our affiliate disclosure.

No. We mention assistants like Grok Bot as examples. Grok is a trade mark of xAI. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trade marks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Robot names belong to their makers. Homebody Bots isn't affiliated with or endorsed by them.

No. It gets stuck on rugs. We've checked.

Because it never wants to leave the house. Ideal, really: it's happy to stay put, and you can ask it to have a look around while you're in the next room.