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Doly’s crowdfunding campaign is over, and the official store now lists the Raspberry Pi-powered companion robot for direct order. If you want to build rather than buy, the supported path is to customize Doly or expand its hardware—not to follow an official, complete from-scratch build kit or tutorial.
Is Doly available to buy now?
Yes. Limitbit Inc.’s Kickstarter campaign ran from February 13 to March 14, 2024, and ended with 747 backers pledging CA$301,597. The Kickstarter campaign record is the source for those historical figures. The official Doly store now lists the robot for direct order, so “crowdfunds soon” no longer describes its status.
The store page showed the 1 GB model at $576 alongside a crossed-out $648 figure when accessed October 4, 2026. This is a changeable listing, not a guaranteed current price or a universal regional price. Check the live listing for price, stock, shipping, configuration and return terms before ordering.
What Raspberry Pi does Doly use?
Doly is built around a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4), integrated into the robot rather than supplied as a separate board for the buyer to install. The official shop lists two configurations, each with a 32 GB SD card:
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- Multiple Functions: Each of the six legs has three motors, the rotatable head has a camera and an ultrasonic distance sensor (Assembly required) (Raspberry Pi and Battery NOT included)
- Detailed Tutorial: Provides step-by-step assembly guide and complete Python code (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- Compatible Models: Raspberry Pi 5 / 4B / 3B+ / 3B / 3A+ (2B / 1B+ / 1A+ / Zero 2 W / Zero W / Zero 1.3 is also compatible but needs extra parts) (NOT included in this kit)
- Control Methods: Controlled wirelessly by your Android phone or tablet, iPhone (with Freenove App) and computer (run Windows, macOS or Raspberry Pi OS)
- Battery NOT Included: Please refer to the downloaded tutorial to buy
| Configuration | Vendor guidance |
|---|---|
| 1 GB RAM / 32 GB SD | The official software is optimized for this configuration. |
| 2 GB RAM / 32 GB SD | Positioned mainly for software developers. |
These descriptions come from the store and developer page. The developer page notes that maximum RAM depends on the CM4 variant installed.
What comes with Doly, and what do you need?
The quick-start guide lists the Doly robot and charger in the package. You must provide a USB-A power adapter rated for at least 5 VDC and 1.5 A to power the charging station. Wi-Fi is recommended for setup, personalization, language selection and updates; a phone, tablet or PC is recommended for app interaction. The guide also says Doly can function without setup.
Rank #2
- AI-Powered Raspberry Pi Smart Car — PiCar-X: PiCar-X brings AI learning to life — powered by Openclaw and multi-LLMs including ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, Qwen, Doubao, Ollama (Local LLMs), and compatible with many more AI platforms. Featuring OpenCV, MediaPipe, TTS & STT, PiCar-X enables true AI vision and voice interaction — it can see, listen, talk, drive and think like an intelligent companion. Ideal for students (10+), educators, and engineers, PiCar-X is the perfect gateway to explore AI, robotics, and machine learning on Raspberry Pi 5/4/3B+/3B/Zero 2W (Raspberry Pi not included)
- Engaging Interactions with Multi-LLMs: PiCar-X, powered by Openclaw and multi-LLMs — including ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, Qwen, Doubao, and Ollama (Local LLMs) — and compatible with many other AI platforms, supports voice interaction and visual recognition to make the robot smarter and more responsive. Users can enjoy natural AI conversations, solve math problems through the camera, and interpret gestures, unlocking a world of diverse and fun AI-driven interactions
- Feature-rich and Adaptable: PiCar-X offers engaging applications like line following and obstacle avoidance, supports TTS (Text-to-Speech) and STT (Speech-to-Text) for interactive voice control, and includes a camera for video and vision recognition. It also comes with various sensors, while its customizable design enables a wide range of creative AI and robotics projects
- Versatile Programming Options: Catering to users of all skill levels, PiCar-X supports both Python and Scratch programming languages, allowing for flexible learning and skill development
- Simplified Assembly & Support: PiCar-X is perfect for beginners, yet learning with experienced users is recommended for best results. It comes with easy assembly instructions and forum support for smooth project completion
See the Doly quick-start guide for the vendor’s setup details. The store describes Doly as “not a toy”; consider that positioning when deciding whether the device suits its intended user and setting.
Can you build or program your own Doly?
Customize an existing Doly
The official materials support programming and expanding the assembled robot. Limitbit lists Python and C++ SDKs, plus GPIO, Qwiic/I2C, UART, USB and servo interfaces. It describes access to motors, the camera, sensors, LEDs, display, audio and other control modules. See the Doly developer page for the listed interfaces and software resources.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- Raspberry Pi AI Robot: powered by Raspberry Pi (5/4B/3B+/3B/Zero 2W), features 12 servos and sensors for vision, hearing, and touch. Integrated with ChatGPT-4o, it responds to complex queries. With app control and FPV, users can manage and see its view in real-time. It supports Python programming
- Realistic Movements: 12 powerful servos enable 32 actions, including walking, sitting, standing, shaking its head, wagging its tail, and performing playful tricks, closely mimicking a real and providing an engaging experience
- Rich Sensor Suite for Interactive Experiences: features ultrasonic, touch, gyroscope, sound, camera, speaker and microphone. These provide it with advanced hearing, vision, and touch, enabling it to see, detect obstacles, respond to touch, and recognize sounds, making interactions highly engaging
- Engaging Interactions with ChatGPT-4o: with ChatGPT-4o enables voice interactions and visual recognition, making it smarter and more responsive. Users can have natural conversations, solve math problems via the camera, and interpret gestures, creating diverse and fun interactions
- Comprehensive Learning Resources and Support: offers detailed online documentation, video tutorials, prompt technical support, and an active forum community, ensuring beginners can easily complete all projects and enjoy a great experience
The product feature page also promotes downloadable or community 3D models and printable add-ons, which let owners modify an existing Doly’s appearance or capabilities. That is different from having a verified parts list and instructions to reproduce the complete robot from scratch. Current add-on compatibility and sourcing details should be checked with the relevant materials before buying components.
Build a Raspberry Pi robot from scratch
The available official information does not establish a complete from-scratch Doly kit or step-by-step replica guide. A separate Raspberry Pi robot build is possible as a maker project, but it requires selecting and assembling compatible compute hardware, chassis, motors, power, sensors and software yourself. Doly’s documentation provides useful examples of interfaces and features; it does not establish a complete bill of materials or comparable build cost.
Rank #4
- AI-Powered Raspberry Pi Robot Dog — PiDog: Powered by Raspberry Pi (5/4B/3B+/3B/Zero 2W), OpenClaw, and multi-LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, Qwen & Ollama. With 12 servos, camera, gyroscope, hearing & touch sensors, PiDog can see, listen, talk, move, and interact intelligently. Supports OpenCV, MediaPipe, TTS & STT, app control, FPV & Python. A great STEM robotics gift for students, makers & tech enthusiasts—perfect for birthdays and holidays. (Raspberry Pi not included)
- Realistic Dog-like Movements: PiDog's 12 powerful servos enable 32 dog-like actions, including walking, sitting, standing, shaking its head, wagging its tail, and performing playful tricks, closely mimicking a real dog and providing an engaging experience. This is an AI development robot product designed for engineers, suitable for ages 15 and above
- Rich Sensor Suite for Interactive Experiences: PiDog features ultrasonic, touch, gyroscope, sound, camera, speaker and microphone. These provide it with advanced hearing, vision, and touch, enabling it to see, detect obstacles, respond to touch, and recognize sounds, making interactions highly engaging
- AI-Powered Interactions with OpenClaw & Multi-LLMs. PiDog combines voice, vision, and gesture recognition for immersive AI experiences. Powered by OpenClaw and multi-LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, Qwen, Doubao, and Ollama (local LLMs), it can understand questions, respond naturally through TTS & STT, recognize math problems, interpret hand gestures, and hold smart conversations. OpenClaw also enables customizable AI behaviors and personalized robotics development, helping users create their own intelligent robotic companion
- Comprehensive Learning Resources and Support: PiDog offers detailed online documentation, video tutorials, prompt technical support, and an active forum community, ensuring beginners can easily complete all projects and enjoy a great experience
Should you buy Doly or take the DIY route?
| Consideration | Buy Doly | DIY or modify |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Robot arrives as an integrated product; the CM4 is installed. | Customizing Doly starts with an assembled robot; a separate build means sourcing and assembling the system. |
| Programming | Vendor offers Python and C++ SDKs and hardware interfaces. | More freedom to choose components and software, with the corresponding integration work. |
| Cost | Check the official store for the current price and delivery terms. | No comparable complete DIY-build price is established in the official materials cited here. |
| Warranty | Opening the robot to change the CM4 affects warranty coverage. | Modifying or disassembling the product carries that warranty trade-off; a separate project does not involve Doly’s warranty. |
Choose the assembled robot if you want Doly’s integrated hardware and are comfortable with its current price and setup requirements. Choose a separate maker build if designing the hardware is the point. If you already own Doly, printable add-ons and supported programming interfaces offer a middle ground between leaving it stock and building a robot entirely from parts.
What to know before changing Doly’s CM4
Limitbit’s support information says Wi-Fi-equipped CM4 variants are compatible, but replacing the module requires removing the main board and voids the warranty. Verify the specific CM4 variant before attempting an upgrade; the vendor’s support page describes the compatibility and replacement caveat. This is an internal hardware change, not a plug-in expansion.
What Doly’s privacy and local-processing claims establish
Limitbit describes Doly as offering local features and presenting no required subscription. These are vendor claims, not independent findings about the robot’s privacy or real-world performance. The materials cited here do not include independent testing that verifies how each feature handles data, so readers should consult the vendor’s current documentation for details relevant to their use.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
