The Ruko R1 Mini Robot Dog is a toy that never needs rescuing. If your kids throw it off the sofa or turn it on their back, it just picks up and walks back for more. It’s a little robot with a big heart, and it packs more tricks than your average circus act.
Its secret is a set of gyroscopes – one built into each of its four legs. They let the R1 sense when it has fallen and pull themselves back to their feet, with no human assistance required. That balance and agility also drives his party piece: full 360 ° flips. It can be forward, backward and even on the side to the left and right salto. String together some flips and you’ve got a floor routine worthy of a Strictly Come Dancing finalist, ending with a flourish each time.
Small dog, new tricks
Palm-sized and lightweight, the R1 is easy to hold in one hand and fluid enough to play almost anywhere. It is ideal for indoor fun, so your living room carpet, the bedroom or the room next to a desk all make perfect good stages. There is no need to move the furniture out of the way.
Getting started is also refreshingly easy. With no app to download, no Wi-Fi to set up and no account to create, you can simply turn it on and let the fun begin.
The R1 gives kids two ways to take the lead. The 2.4GHz remote puts everything at your fingertips, from walking and turning to triggering tricks with the touch of a button, with a stable, responsive connection that won’t tangle with other remote controls in the house.
In the mood for something a little different? Strap on the gesture-sensing watch and the R1 responds to movements of your wrist, making it look like the dog is magically following your every command. Each controller connects independently, so kids can easily choose which style they like for that play session.
Kids can also chain different actions together into their own personalized routine, choreographing a sequence of moves before watching the R1. It’s a great way to make playtime a little more creative.
Roll over and recover, Rover
And what a repertoire of moves to pull from! As well as these flips, the R1 can roll left and right, bust out push-ups, bust some kung fu moves, jump, mime a doggy paddle, wave hello, shake hands and dance. There’s even a cheeky back leg lift trick that’s guaranteed to generate a few giggles.
Parents will also appreciate the thoughtful touches. The volume is adjustable, so the R1 never has to be the loudest thing in the house, and the built-in rechargeable battery delivers around 50 minutes of play from a two-hour charge, making it quick and easy to top up between sessions.
Suitable for ages 3 and up, the Ruko R1 makes a brilliant gift for young robot fans – but don’t be surprised if the adults of the house end up fighting with them for a turn.
The Ruko R1 Mini Robot Dog costs $50 and is available for purchase now through Amazon. Find out more uk.ruko.net.
