Robot Dog Care

Charging and storing the battery safely

Robot dogs commonly run on rechargeable lithium-ion packs, which deserve the same care as any large battery in the home. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service advises using the manufacturer-approved charger, not charging while you are asleep or away from home, never covering the charger, battery or device while charging, and unplugging once the battery is full. It also recommends storing products and batteries somewhere cool, away from extreme heat or cold, and out of escape routes and communal areas. For a robot dog, that rules out a hallway charging corner or a car boot in summer, and favours a shelf in a room you use daily.

Warning signs from an ageing battery

Batteries wear with use, and a tired pack is a safety issue as well as a runtime one. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service lists signs that a battery should not be used or charged: smoke, extreme heat, swelling, leaks, unusual sounds and problems charging, and it warns that a damaged battery can overheat and catch fire without warning. Check the pack each time you swap or charge it, and note the month you bought it. Order replacements only from the maker or an approved supplier, since a cheap pack that fits the slot may not communicate properly with the robot's battery management system.

Firmware updates and support periods

A connected robot dog depends on the software behind it. Under the UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (Product Security) regime, in force since 29 April 2024, information on minimum security update periods for connectable consumer products must be clear and transparent, should include an end date in non-technical language and has to be free to access. Put that end date in your calendar so it does not arrive unnoticed. Install updates when the robot is fully charged and on a stable network, because an interrupted update may leave it needing repair. When security support ends, decide whether to keep the robot offline, limit its app permissions or retire it.

Logging faults and sending it for repair

Robot dogs fall, scuff and pick up grit, so some wear is unavoidable. Before opening any panel, read the warranty terms and report faults through the channel the maker names, with a short video of the problem if you can. Record the serial number, firmware version and what the robot was doing when the fault appeared. Ship it in the original packaging or a padded case, and follow the carrier's rules on lithium batteries, which may mean removing or isolating the pack. Ask for a written note of what was replaced, so you can track recurring faults and judge whether the next repair is worth paying for.

Sources and further reading

• Lithium-ion batteries — Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
  Fire service advice on charging, storing, spotting damage in and recycling lithium-ion batteries at home.
• The UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (Product Security) regime — Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (GOV.UK).
  UK security rules for connectable consumer products: no default passwords, a flaw-reporting route, stated update periods.

Common questions

How do I clean a robot dog after a walk outside?

Switch it off, brush dry grit from the feet and joints, and wipe the body with a slightly damp cloth unless the maker says otherwise. Do not hose it down or immerse it unless the maker approves, and let it dry fully indoors before charging or storing it.

How should I dispose of an old robot dog battery?

Never put it in household rubbish. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says lithium-ion batteries must always be recycled properly, so take the pack to a battery recycling point or ask your local council, and tape over the terminals before transport if the maker advises it.