Robot-pet descriptions often mix engineering terms with words borrowed from animal behaviour. This glossary translates both into questions you can use.
Account
A sign-in that may own the robot, store settings or enable remote features. Ask whether the robot can be transferred to a new account.
Actuator
A component that creates physical movement. In ordinary product copy this may simply be described as a motor.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
A broad label for systems that recognise patterns, select responses or generate output. Ask which exact task uses it. See AI in robot pets.
Autonomous
Able to perform some actions without direct control at that moment. It does not mean the robot can cope with every room or situation.
Behaviour model
Software that helps choose an action using input and an internal state. Product copy may describe the visible result as mood or personality.
Cloud service
A remote online system used for storage, processing, accounts or features. Find out what stops working when it is unavailable.
Companion robot
A robot designed primarily for interaction or a sense of presence rather than a practical household task. Companion does not mean medical device.
Dock
A base used for charging and sometimes data or automatic return. Check the space it needs and whether the robot finds it independently.
Edge detection
A method intended to notice a drop or boundary. It is not a promise that a moving robot can be left unsupervised on every raised surface.
Firmware
Software installed on the robot itself. Firmware updates can fix problems, add features or change behaviour.
Haptic feedback
Information communicated through touch, such as vibration.
Lifelike
A subjective description of appearance or behaviour. Ask which movement, sound or response creates that impression.
Local processing
Work performed on the robot or a nearby device instead of a remote service. Local does not automatically mean no data is stored.
Machine learning
A method in which a system is developed or adapted using patterns in data. A product using machine learning for one feature is not generally intelligent.
Mapping
Building a representation of a space to support movement. Ask whether a map is stored, where it is kept and how it is deleted.
Pairing
Connecting the robot with a controller, phone, app or account.
Personality
The consistent style created by sound, movement, visual expression and rules. It is a design experience, not evidence of feelings.
Quadruped
A four-legged machine. The term can cover advanced programmable platforms as well as animal-shaped robots.
Sensor
A component that gives software information about touch, sound, light, distance, image, movement or another physical condition. See the sensor guide.
Servo
A motor system used to control position or movement, common in jointed and buildable robots.
Subscription
A repeating payment for access to a service or feature. Find out what the robot retains without it in our subscription guide.
Teleoperation
Controlling a robot from elsewhere, often through an app or controller. The robot may look autonomous while a person is directing it.
Two-way audio
A camera feature that lets a remote user hear and speak through the device. Check who can connect and how activation is shown.
Voice recognition
Software that attempts to identify speech content or a speaker. “Responds to voice” may instead mean simple sound detection, so ask for the exact behaviour.
Wake word
A word or phrase intended to activate listening for a command. Check whether listening happens locally or through a remote service.
Wi-Fi dependent
A description for a feature or device that needs a home network or internet service. Separate first-time setup from daily operation: they may have different needs.
Still deciding what category you are looking at? Start with the complete map of robot-pet types.