iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
GoodBoy is a maker-built quadruped robot dog designed by Daniel Hingston. You can replicate it from 3D-printed parts, electronics, Arduino code, and assembly instructions; it is not a ready-to-run consumer pet. The project is reported to walk forward, detect obstacles simply, and present a paw when its forehead light sensor is covered.
What GoodBoy can do
GoodBoy is a compact four-legged robot controlled by an Arduino Uno. The project uses eight micro servos—two at the shoulder and elbow of each leg—to create its reported walking motion. Two forward-facing HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors provide basic obstacle detection. These are project-described capabilities, not independently measured performance results.
An LDR (light-dependent resistor) sits on the robot’s forehead. According to the project report, covering it for three seconds triggers a paw-presentation gesture. That is a simple sensor-driven interaction, not evidence of advanced autonomy. Arduino’s May 27, 2020 overview compares GoodBoy visually to a miniature Boston Dynamics Spot; the comparison does not imply similar capabilities.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What you need to build it
The project instructions describe a build from printed mechanical parts, electronics, and code. Check the complete guide for exact quantities and wiring before buying components.
#1 Best Overall
- MechDog robot dog is an AI dog robot for students and robot beginners in artificial intelligence education. It can perform as a real pet dog, allowing learners to learn mechanics, electronics, programming, automation, and AI while playing with it, laying the foundation for adapting to future artificial intelligence life.
- Cross-Platform Control with Multiple Programming Options: MechDog supports control via PC software and a mobile app. It can be programmed using Python, Scratch, or Arduino, offering a variety of programming options.
- Inverse Kinematics for Flexible Movement: MechDog features built-in inverse kinematics that support real-time adjustments of walking direction and posture, resulting in more flexible and lifelike movements.
- Extensive Expansion for Creativity: MechDog can be enhanced with various sensors and electronic modules. It is also compatible with LEGO components, allowing for a broad range of creative applications.
- Driven by Coreless Servos: MechDog is equipped with 8 high-speed coreless servos, providing high accuracy and robust force. Its leg linkage structure enables swift and precise walking.
- An Arduino Uno controller.
- Eight 9 g micro servos, described as SG90-type or similar.
- Two HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors.
- One LDR and a 10 kΩ resistor for its voltage-divider circuit.
- An 18650 cell and an Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C, as used in the reported power arrangement.
- 3D-printed body and leg parts, with wiring routed through some appendages.
- A 3D printer, slicing or CAD software, soldering equipment, wire, and basic tools for cleaning up prints.
The reproduced build instructions describe the project’s files and assembly. They include STEP CAD files and note that STL files were later added to the GrabCAD library. The same instructions caution that dimensions or parts may need small adjustments to suit print quality and the servos you obtain. Treat the files as a starting point, not a guaranteed plug-and-print kit.
Plan for fitting and assembly
Servo dimensions and print accuracy affect whether the moving parts fit together. Dry-fit components as you assemble and be prepared to adjust the printed parts if needed. The build report also describes pausing prints to insert wires, keeping wiring hidden inside appendages; that approach requires planning the wire routing as part of the print and assembly process.
Rank #2
- 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
Daniel Hingston’s project description presents the files, programs, and instructions as a basis for replication and improvement: “In this instructable, you will find complete 3D model files, Arduino programs, and instructions needed to replicate (and hopefully improve upon) this project for yourself!”
Recommended Free Tools
Read the power warning before wiring
The reported build powers the Arduino through its 5 V pin to avoid additional conversion equipment. The project source says this arrangement must be used with caution, is not officially recommended, and cannot be used while the Arduino is simultaneously connected to a laptop. Do not treat it as general wiring advice: follow the full circuit and power instructions for the build, and do not connect the laptop and this power arrangement at the same time.
Rank #3
- Multiple Functions: Each of the four legs has three motors, the head has a camera and an ultrasonic distance sensor (Assembly required) (Battery NOT included)
- ESP32 WROVER: Dual-core 32-bit microprocessor up to 240 MHz, 4 MB Flash, 8 MB PSRAM, onboard 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 (LE), camera
- Detailed Tutorial: Provide step-by-step assembly guide and complete code (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- Control Methods: Controlled wirelessly by your Android phone or tablet, iPhone (with Freenove App) and computer (run Windows, macOS or Ubuntu)
- Battery NOT Included: Please refer to the downloaded tutorial to buy
Where to find the project files
The build article links to the project’s CAD files and provides assembly and Arduino-program information. The sources identify STEP files and mention STL files added to GrabCAD, but their current host availability is not established. Start with the build-instruction page and review its file references, parts, and wiring details before printing or purchasing components. The original project coverage is also available from Hackster.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MechDog robot dog is an AI dog robot for students and robot beginners in artificial intelligence education. It can perform as a real pet dog, allowing learners to learn mechanics, electronics, programming, automation, and AI while playing with it, laying the foundation for adapting to future artificial intelligence life.
- Cross-Platform Control with Multiple Programming Options: MechDog supports control via PC software and a mobile app. It can be programmed using Python, Scratch, micro:bit, or Arduino, offering a variety of programming options.
- Inverse Kinematics for Flexible Movement: MechDog features built-in inverse kinematics that support real-time adjustments of walking direction and posture, resulting in more flexible and lifelike movements.
- AI Vision & Voice Interaction. Extensive Expansion & Unlimited Creativity. MechDog comes equipped with an ESP32 WiFi AI camera module, AI voice interaction, and various sensors. It is compatible with LEGO components, along with other exciting features, providing endless possibilities for creative projects.
- Driven by Coreless Servos: MechDog is equipped with 8 high-speed coreless servos, providing high accuracy and robust force. Its leg linkage structure enables swift and precise walking.
Rank #4
- 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
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.
