Mondo Robotics has launched Beni, a two-legged robot dog that can run at nearly 18 miles per hour, jump up to 10 inches, climb stairs, and film in 4K30 HDR for up to 1.5 hours. Priced at $600 on Kickstarter or $800 at retail, Beni is designed to follow users automatically, but early testing reveals limitations in obstacle avoidance and tracking reliability.
Design and Capabilities
Beni uses motorized legs with spring-filled joints to absorb shock and self-right after falls. Its twin 150-degree obstacle avoidance cameras and UWB wrist tracker help it navigate, though it occasionally clips corners or runs into obstacles. The robot can be controlled via a smartphone app with virtual joysticks or a bundled wrist-mounted controller. It also supports third-party controllers for advanced use.
Durability and Performance
During a two-hour demo, Beni survived repeated crashes into walls and off ledges, bouncing back with only scuffs. It followed the reviewer down multiple flights of stairs and maintained stability on a kick scooter. The robot's legs allow it to jump on command, and it can recover from falls by rotating its legs to regain balance.
Camera and Storage
Beni records in super-stable 4K30 HDR, 3K60, or 1080p100. It has 32GB of built-in storage, expandable via a microSD slot. The head can rotate 180 degrees to film from the front, and the camera's pitch and stabilization are adjustable in the app.
Future-Proofing and Accessories
The robot features swappable batteries (31 watt-hours), a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and 1/4-inch tripod threads under movable orange ears for mounting accessories. Mondo plans to release a 4G dongle for remote driving in China and 3D printer files for additional mounts and armor. Electrical contacts hint at future add-ons like a treat tosser or charging dock.
Kickstarter Risks and Expert Opinion
As a Kickstarter project from a startup founded by DJI veterans, Beni faces typical risks of delays or non-delivery. Mondo marketing director Cody Skene expressed confidence in a fall 2026 shipment. The reviewer concluded that despite tracking flaws, Beni offers a unique, durable, and entertaining experience that could be a hit if production issues are resolved.
