I haven’t had a pet in years but every once in a while, I have the urge to try and take care of one. But just the thought of cleaning their poop, feeding them, grooming them, etc is enough for me to stop thinking about actually getting a puppy or a kitten. I can’t even take proper care of myself so how can I care for another living thing? But imagine if you can get a playful pup that never needs to be fed, doesn’t shed, and is always ready to impress your friends with its clever tricks.
This is not science fiction anymore as a group of creative students at Cornell University have come up with Cucumber, an adorable robot dog designed for everyone. Unlike real dogs, Cucumber is made of lightweight materials and powered by clever electronics, but it captures the spirit and charm of a real canine companion. And it’s not just something that can be used by engineers or those in the tech industry. It can be for the general public and you don’t need to be a robotics expert to enjoy or appreciate what Cucumber can do.
Designers: Ananya Jajodia, Laurence Lai, and Shao Stassen
Cucumber moves using four jointed legs, each controlled by tiny motors called servos. These motors let it walk, turn, and even perform tricks like sitting or waving a paw. The robot’s “brain” is a small computer (a microcontroller) that tells the legs what to do, based on simple commands or pre-programmed routines. A user can control Cucumber with a wireless remote, making it easy for anyone to interact and play. Imagine guiding your robot dog across the living room floor, making it sit up on command, or showing off to your friends and family.
This robot dog’s look is inspired by real dogs, with a friendly face and playful movements. It’s not intimidating or overly technical, making it approachable for all ages. You don’t need to code or tinker with wires. Just pick up the remote and start playing. It is also lightweight and built with safety in mind so it’s safe for kids and actual, real pets to be around. Unlike many high-end robot pets, Cucumber is designed with affordability in mind, opening up the world of robotics to more people.
You don’t need to know much about electronics to enjoy Cucumber, but it’s fascinating to peek behind the curtain. The team at Cornell used 3D-printed parts for the robot’s body, making it both lightweight and customizable. The motors and sensors are carefully programmed so that it can walk smoothly and react to commands in real time. This is both a delightful companion and also a glimpse into the future of robotics for everyday people.
