A Japanese netizen, unable to keep a dog at home, found herself feeling a mix of emotions every time she saw people walking their dogs. Inspired by this bittersweet feeling, she came up with a clever idea: why not make a dog herself to "take for a walk"? The result is an incredibly lifelike robot dog that can actually move on its own, so realistic that passersby often mistake it for a real dog.
犬散歩してる風バッグ作った pic.twitter.com/Xf5FWdgtTX
— とりもちうずら (@uzura_3) January 8, 2023
The Amazing Robot Dog "Mochitaro"
This robot dog, affectionately named "Mochitaro", is not only a walking companion but also doubles as a storage bag. The creator, known online as "Torimochi Uzura" (@uzura_3), designed and built Mochitaro entirely from materials found at home. Due to restrictions on keeping pets in her residence and the difficulty of finding pet-friendly housing, she decided to craft a walking-style bag that moves on its own—perfect for dog lovers who can't have a real pet.
The face of Mochitaro is carefully carved from styrofoam, while the wheels come from a pair of homemade roller skates she had made earlier. The body is covered with various fabrics, foam, and wood scraps left over from previous DIY crafts, giving the robot dog the appearance of a black Shiba Inu.
Ingenious Design and Functionality
Inside, Mochitaro features a mechanism similar to a toy four-wheel-drive car. By simply pulling a strap backward, the dog automatically moves forward, creating a delightful and interactive experience. The back of the robot dog includes a thoughtfully designed zipper compartment that can hold plenty of personal items, making it both fun and practical.
Public Reactions and Real-World Testing
The creator took Mochitaro to a park to test its effectiveness as a walking companion. The robot dog quickly attracted a crowd of curious onlookers. Placed alongside real black Shiba Inus, Mochitaro blended in seamlessly, fooling many into thinking it was a genuine pet. Even other dogs approached Mochitaro and sniffed its rear, as if greeting a new furry friend.
This innovative creation not only brings joy to its owner but also showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of pet lovers who face housing restrictions. Mochitaro is a heartwarming example of how technology and imagination can come together to fill the gap when real pets aren't an option.
