The bits worth knowing first.

Not quite. The thinking happens online, so expect a second or two 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 pre-built Yahboom Rider-Pi comes ready to go, in a cheaper CM4 version or a faster CM5 version.

No. Our setup prompt asks your AI assistant to guide you one step at a time and tell you exactly what to type. It helps if you're happy following instructions carefully.

With supervision, yes. Kits have small parts while you're building, so check the maker's age guidance, and keep bots away from stairs and edges. 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. Homebody Bots isn't affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Grok Bot or any robot maker.

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

Because it never wants to leave the house. Ideal, really: you get out more, it stays in, and you can ask it to have a look around while you're out.