Rocki Robot Review

Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic
Updated:  May 18th, 2022

You’ve gone back to the office, and boy, do you miss your pets. Want to connect with them no matter where you are? Then you’ll want to check out Rocki, a smart robot that lets you connect with your pets from anywhere. And I had the chance to take Rocki out for a spin.

Before we get into the Rocki review, let’s take a look at the specifications and what you actually get with your purchase.


Specs:


·      Weight: 3.3 lbs

·      Dimensions: 7.28x8.07x7.28 inches

·      Wireless Connection: Bluetooth ver 4.1

·      Battery Type: Li-Polymer 7.4V 2600mAh

·      Working Time: Continuous Play Time: 5 hours; Waiting Time: 5 days

·      Input Power: DC 5V USB


What it offers:


·      Real-time HD video and audio and recording

·      Speak and Audio

·      Treat tosser

·      All-wheel drive and 360 degree all directional movement

·      Long standby and operational time

·      Multiple toy mounts and laser toy


What you get in the box:


·      Robot

·      Data line

·      Feather attachment

·      Laser attachment

·      User Manual


Set Up:


Before you can play with Rocki, you need to set him up on your cell phone. And the process is easy. First, you install the app by scanning the QR code found in the user guide. Next, you sign up by creating an account that includes your email address, then confirming registration. When you turn Rocki on, you’ll have to make sure the Bluetooth on your device is on. Rocki will let you know that you’re on track by saying “Starting” – after that, you press the Pair button on the app and connect to WiFI. Before you start, load the snack feeder by holding the two buttons on the side of Rocki. When you’re finished, simply close it by locking the two buttons. Now, it’s time to introduce Rocki to your pet.

What’s To Love

Rocki comes with plenty of features that any pet parent will appreciate. The snack feeder carries enough snacks for several days, giving treats on demand. The robotic toy arm works like a laser toy or a feather toy. The night vision camera, mic, and speakers connect your pet remotely through the Rocki app.


Rocki has four mecanum wheels. These wheels allow Rocki to move in any direction without turning, granting more mobility than traditional wheels.


Tosser Pro tips: Rather than break up larger cookie treats, use soft training treats in the feeding compartments. I found that the cookie treats made a mess after they were tossed, which would be compounded if Rocki ran over them. By using training treats, you’re better able to control the portions and there’s no mess after the toss. I cut up each training treat into four pieces, making the most out of each toss.

Getting To Know Rocki


If you’ve got a little dog, chances are good that they’re a little bit nervous. Hey, if I was that close to the ground, I would be too. And if you’ve read anything about my two dogs, Oscar and Zed, you’ll know that they have the nervous energy of a thousand caffeinated chihuahuas. I knew from the get-go that introducing Rocki to these guys would be a trial in patience.


Rocki recommends using treats to buy your pet’s affection – so that’s what I did. Don’t expect this process to take minutes (hey, it might with your cat or dog), it took a few two weeks of gentle prodding and constant treat tossing to get Zed to open up to a friendship with Rocki. Oscar is still on the fence about this possible friend, but he’s still happy to take handouts from this smart robot.


How to Play with Rocki

Think of operating Rocki the same way you’d play with a remote-control car – only way cooler! Here’s what the controller looks like on your phone:


The left circle controls Rocki's wheel movement and orientation; the center button tosses one chamber of treats; and the right circle controls the camera vision and tilt. The left and right buttons will move Rocki sideways without reorientation (thanks to the Mecanum wheels).

Up in the right top corner, you’ll see battery, video options, photos, and voice communication. The night vision camera turns on automatically if the environment is dark. Photos and videos are save automatically into your phone’s photo gallery.

Pros:

·      Thanks to its 360-degree camera and the fact that it’s on wheels, you can keep an eye on your pet no matter where he is in your home. You don’t get these kinds of visuals with ordinary pet cameras and treat tossers.

·      Mecanum wheels move from side to side, so you don’t have to do a three-point turn to move in another direction.

·      Separate controls to move Rocki and laser toy.

·      Photos and video go to your gallery automatically


Cons:

·      Movement and noise may be a turn off for nervous pets


The Verdict


Yes, it’s on the pricey side – retailing for $209 (pre-sale price). But consider this – a quality treat tossing camera will run you the same amount and it’s stationary. With Rocki, you get a treat tosser and smart toy all-in-one. It’s a great investment, especially if you’re working at the office and want to spend some extra time playing and interacting with your pets. It’s built well and will last longer (in durability and interest) than your regular squeaky toy! Plus, you get some awesome opportunities to take viral photos and videos for your Insta or Tik Tok account.


Even though Oscar is still hesitant, Zed loves Rocki – so much so that I have to put this robot up on higher ground so Zed will leave it alone. He’s always demanding treats!


To buy one of your own, visit the Rocki website.


Note: PetGuide.com was NOT compensated for this review. Our reviewer received a Rocki Robot to review. The opinions expressed in this post are the author’s. We provide unbiased feedback of the products and share products we think our readers would enjoy using and learning more about.

WOW
Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Is It Safe For Dogs To Swim In The Ocean?

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Have you ever wondered if your new kitten’s fiery ginger coat is a warning sign that you are bringing home a sassy whirlwind? Does your black cat’s sleek coat give off the vibes of a mysterious loner?There are many theories regarding the possible connection between a cat’s coat color and their personality traits. However, this leaves many cat lovers curious whether it’s all folklore or a connection exists.Let’s look at the science (or lack thereof) behind the relationship between a cat’s appearance and their personality. Plus, we’ll share the most common traits associated with each fur color and pattern so you can see if it describes your cat.What Determines the Color of a Cat Before discussing the connection between fur color and personality, let’s examine what actually causes different cats to have different coat colors and patterns.Like your hair or eye color, the appearance of your cat’s fur is a reflection of their genetics. This includes the color of the fur, how bright or diluted those colors appear, and any patterns their coat displays (like tabby stripes or calico patches).What is the Rarest Color for a Cat? The Most Popular? As with any genetic trait, some fur coats and patterns are more common than others. The rarest color is a solid-white coat. Less than 5% of the cat population is estimated to be completely white and void of any color (no additional marks or patterns). On the other end of the spectrum, the tabby is the most common cat coat pattern. While most people associate tabbies with vertical stripes along their body, the pattern can also present as splotches, circles, spots, or any combination of these markings.

Veterinarians Warn About Rise in Deadly Parvo Cases

As loving pet parents, we do everything we can to keep our pets safe. From buying the best food we can afford to keeping their vaccinations up to date – we understand that our furry family members rely on us to care for them. Unfortunately, some illnesses make this more challenging. One example is the risk of deadly canine parvovirus (also known as parvo) in puppies. While there is a vaccine to protect dogs from the disease, there is a window of time before your puppy has received the complete series of vaccinations needed to be effective. It is highly contagious and spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, further increasing the risk during the curious stage of a puppy’s life. The disease was first discovered in 1978. It quickly spread, causing concern among veterinary professionals and dog lovers. During the pandemic, another concerning increase in cases was seen. Now, in 2024, veterinarians in several locations are sounding the alarm. In April, vets in Kansas City released a statement after The Pet Resource Center of Kansas City faced 20 cases in a week. At the same time, San Antonio Animal Care Services warned dog parents in the city that they, too, were seeing a rise in cases. Since that time, the areas of concern have continued to grow.What is Parvo? You may be wondering what parvo is and why veterinarians are so worried about the increase in cases. Canine Parvovirus is a disease that impacts a dog’s stomach and small intestines, disrupting their ability to digest food and absorb much-needed nutrients. It can also impact the lymphatic system, bone marrow, and heart. It is highly contagious and, when contracted, often severe or fatal. “Without treatment, up to 90% of animals will die,” explained Chief Veterinarian Melia Washington of The Pet Resource Center of Kansas City. “Even with treatment, we only tell people it’s a 50/50 shot.” Traditionally, treatment focuses almost entirely on supportive care, relying on the puppy’s ability to fight the virus naturally. However, in May 2023, the USDA granted a conditional license for the first-ever canine parvovirus treatment, which experts hope will change the outcome for many dogs. What are the Warning Signs? If your puppy does contract parvo, time is of the essence. The sooner you see a veterinarian and start treatment, the better their chance of survival. Watch out for these common warning signs: Vomiting Diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea)Loss of appetite Sudden high feverLethargyDepressionYou should seek veterinary care if you notice signs that something is “off” in a young puppy, especially if it occurs before the puppy has completed all recommended puppy vaccines. Puppies are vulnerable, and a minor illness can turn life-threatening very quickly when left unaddressed. How Can You Keep Your Puppy Safe? The most important step in keeping your puppy safe from canine parvovirus is to ensure that you stick to the recommended vaccination schedule. Puppies should receive vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, and the vaccine will not be fully effective until all three rounds have been administered. Socialization is crucial for puppies, but you must take extra care before they are fully vaccinated. Avoid high-risk locations like dog parks, kennels, and doggy daycares. If your puppy is being introduced to other dogs, ensure the other dog is fully vaccinated. The best way to socialize a young puppy with other dogs is to do so with dogs you know, like those owned by family and friends. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or are unsure if a situation will be safe for your puppy. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Get a Dog to Take a Pill

For most dogs, taking some form of pills – be it a supplement for preventing health issues or a medicine to treat existing ones – is a part of their daily routine. Sadly, that doesn’t mean that most dogs are used to the process and that they take the pill without protesting. Even though in most cases pills are not optional, our doggos often stubbornly refuse to ingest them. They’ll whimper, run, or straight out refuse to open their mouth. So how do you go about it and give a pill to your dog? Here are some useful tips and tricks that can make this task simple and quick!How to Get a Dog to Take a Pill – 5 Simple Tricks You Can Try Right NowOne of the best tricks you can use is to hide the pill in food. As we all know, most pooches are voracious and will gobble up anything you have in your hand. Any tasty treat will be quickly gulped down, with the hidden pill as well! In case you have a smart doggo on your hands, you can trick them by “accidentally” dropping some food with the pill hidden inside it and try to fake – prevent them from taking it – that works wonders for my spoiled poodle who’d eat anything if she thinks it’s forbidden. You can also try peanut butter, as it is sticky and flavorful, making it hard for the dog to detect the pill. Meat is great too, as dogs love it and it can hide a pill easily. If your dog is a picky eater or simply finds a way to get the pill out of the food every time you try to sneak it, you can also utilize  the specially designed pill pocket treats for dogs, which have a special hiding place for a pill. They’re irresistible too!

BARK Air Introduces a New Flight Tailored for Dogs

Onboard, they have carefully considered every aspect of air travel for dogs. For example, they serve all canine passengers their beverage of choice during ascent and descent to help prevent the discomfort often caused by cabin pressure changes. Of course, during the flight, your pup will be treated to a bit of pampering with dog-friendly snacks. “When we started BARK in 2011, we were on a mission to disrupt the dog space and create products designed for dogs and their humans. We are excited to take the insights we’ve learned over the years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies,” explained BARK’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matt Meeker. “We believe this initiative will elevate awareness of our brand’s mission and values, introduce more dog lovers to the BARK family, and help enrich the lives of dogs and their people around the world.” BARK Air will launch with limited routes from New York City’s Westchester County Airport (HPN) to Los Angeles’ Van Nuys Airport (VNY) and London, England’s Stansted Airport (STN). Dog parents are taking to social media, where the news is going viral, to express their excitement about the announcement. The first flights will take off on Thursday, May 23. Visit DogsFlyFirst.com for more information about BARK Air, available flights, and booking. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Scientists Developing AI Technology To Decipher Your Dog’s Barking

There is no dog owner out there who doesn’t wish to understand their pet’s bark! And now that artificial intelligence is evolving and expanding with each new day, it seems that this seemingly impossible feat can now become a reality.A research team at the University of Michigan is now studying how exactly artificial intelligence can be used to help understand the way dogs communicate. The scientists are developing special AI tools that will ultimately help understand whether a dog’s bark is aggressive, or shows playful intentions. And that is not all – AI will help gather crucial information from the bark, such as the breed, age, and sex of the dog. “By using speech processing models initially trained on human speech, our research opens a new window into how we can leverage what we built so far in speech processing to start understanding the nuances of dog barks,” said Rada Mihalcea, director of the University of Michigan’s AI laboratory.Throughout the course of the study, the team studied vocalizations from 74 different dogs, all in various contexts. They quickly realized that AI models that were originally trained on human speech could now be a great starting point to help train new AI systems made specifically to understand animal communication.“There is so much we don’t yet know about the animals that share this world with us,” said Mihalcea. “Advances in AI can be used to revolutionize our understanding of animal communication, and our findings suggest that we may not have to start from scratch.”Mihalcea also adds that all their findings indicate that “the sounds and patterns originating from human speech can form the basis for examining and comprehending the acoustic patterns of other sounds, including animal vocalizations”.But even so, using AI to analyze dog communication is hindered, as there is still a lack of data available publicly.“Animal vocalizations are logistically much harder to solicit and record,” said Artem Abzaliev, lead author of the study. “They must be passively recorded in the wild or, in the case of domestic pets, with the permission of owners.”Besides this, scientists were also able to reuse a model that analyzed human speech. This helped them to “tap into” major voice-enabled technologies that can actually recognize spoken words and those speaking them.“These models are able to learn and encode the incredibly complex patterns of human language and speech,” Abzaliev adds. “We wanted to see if we could leverage this ability to discern and interpret dog barks.”What is more, according to the study the research will also have major implications for animal welfare. If we can understand dog vocalizations, it can help us respond better to the needs of our pets.

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