Mondo Robotics Unveils Beni Robot Dog with Camera and Jumping for $800

Chinese startup Mondo Robotics, founded by former DJI employees, has unveiled the Beni robot dog on Kickstarter—a self-driving device equipped with a built-in 4K camera and a unique jumping system. Positioned as a versatile gadget for photography and entertainment, the robot can follow its owner, navigate obstacles, and withstand falls.

Beni features dual 150-degree cameras for obstacle avoidance, along with a UWB wrist tracker for precise tracking. The device can reach speeds of up to 29 km/h, jump up to 25 cm, and operate for up to 1.5 hours on a single charge. The camera supports 4K30 HDR, 3K60, or 1080p100 recording with automatic stabilization.

Control is managed via a mobile app or a dedicated wrist-mounted controller. In testing, the robot showed high drop resistance but occasionally struggled with obstacles at high speeds. Developers promise to refine the auto-tracking feature by the time sales begin.

Beni has already caught the attention of the IT community thanks to its modular design: users can 3D-print additional accessories and use standard camera mounts. Future updates include a 4G module for remote control and a charging dock.

Despite the risks associated with crowdfunding projects, Beni appears to be a promising device for tech enthusiasts and videographers. Sales are scheduled to begin in fall 2024 at a price of $800.