ROBOTICS companies are beginning to introduce consumer-grade robot dogs priced under 10,000 yuan (USD 1,423). However, industry insiders note that whether such products can truly integrate into household life and achieve stable mass production remains an open question.

Startup Vita Dynamics launched its first quadruped robot, Big Head Bobo, on Tuesday at a price of 9,988 yuan, securing over 10 million yuan in pre-orders on the first day.

The Big Head Bobo can reportedly accompany users on outdoor walks, take autonomous photos, handle light load transportation, and interact through voice communication. The Rover X1 is designed to serve not only consumers but also businesses.

According to Zhao Zhelun, co-founder of Vita Dynamics, mass production of Big Head Bobo will begin next month in Dongguan, with user testing starting at the end of January. Mass deliveries are expected to commence by March.

“We estimate the breakeven point to be around 50,000 units,” Zhao said. “Once sales reach this scale, we can essentially cover the costs of product development, engineering, and team labor.”

However, achieving stable mass production and delivery remains a significant challenge for robot dog manufacturers. This not only tests their product development capabilities but also requires a systematic assessment of costs, supply chains, and market acceptance.

“Previous attempts to launch consumer-grade quadruped robots have not been successful,” said a robotics product manager. “Companies often struggled with identifying practical application scenarios or faced obstacles in the delivery chain, making it difficult to ensure stability and consistency in mass production.”

Zhao pointed out that consumer-grade robots are still in the early stages of development, with costs for research and development, molds, and supply chains not yet fully amortized. Meanwhile, delays in delivery timelines could weaken users’ purchase willingness.

“For startups, achieving scalable mass production in a controlled manner, without compromising consumer experience, will directly determine whether products can move from launch to real households,” Zhao emphasized. To mitigate risks, Vita Dynamics plans to gradually scale up mass production of Big Head Bobo through phased pre-sales, public testing, and batch deliveries.

Shenzhen-based Dobot also began pre-sales for its Rover X1, priced at 7,499 yuan, on Tuesday.(SD-Agencies)