Petoi’s Palm-Sized Robot Dog Packs a Nokia Battery and LEGO-Compatible Back

Petoi, founded by Dr. Rongzhong Li, has spent nearly a decade miniaturizing quadruped robots inspired by Boston Dynamics’ designs. Their latest creation is a palm-sized robot dog that runs on a Nokia battery—a nod to repairability and accessibility—and features a customizable back compatible with LEGO bricks. This design choice lets hobbyists and educators snap on their own modules, turning the robot into a platform for creativity rather than a closed toy. The robot’s small size and modularity make advanced robotics more approachable for STEM learning and prototyping, echoing Petoi’s mission to bring complex mechanics to everyday users. With a focus on open-source software and affordable hardware, Petoi is carving a niche in the educational robotics market. As demand for hands-on coding and engineering tools grows, this tiny robot dog could become a staple in classrooms and maker spaces worldwide.