Si Zheng frequently goes shopping with the dog to the amazement of other shoppers. "I use it as a carrier for daily shopping,” he said. “People in Waitrose usually see me after work hours, it's a good helper with a basket. And you probably can't, or are not allowed, a real dog to do this job.”
Si works at Creative Assembly at Spire Court in Albion Way, Horsham – the multi-award winning games studio behind Total War, Alien: Isolation and Halo Wars 2.
He previously worked around the globe for Disney and for Microsoft in America before working in China for several years. As a technical artist, his job, he says, is a hybrid role between computer programmer and artist.
He he has many tech hobbies – including his robot dog which responds to the name BenBen which he bought in China. “I talked to the manufacture and put it together there, it was just like the simplest IKEA furniture to put the feet on and that's it – I can't say I made it.”
And, says Si, while his robot dog can't bring the companion experience of a real dog, “it has its own charm.”
He is often away from home for days at a time while working. “I can't have a real pet to stay at home while I'm away, but for robot dog it's zero hurt feelings after switch-off – for both sides.
"I also have a lot of high tech stuff at home that one jump from a real labrador could mean an unrecoverable mess.”
Si admits that BenBen doesn't have enough brain power to imitate all real dog behavior, but, he says: “When I control it, I can figure out how to make it act more fun and friendly, I enjoy it as well.
“As a machine, I need to know how it works, so it compares to some real dog training. Like I need to figure out how to walk in order for the dog to be able to follow, which is also a fun thing for me.
“Plus I don't HAVE to walk the dog or pick anything up every day – charging the battery and updating the software is easier than keeping a real dog healthy.”
And although he’s a real tech fan, he also has other hobbies, including horse riding, making mecha figures and light saber training, “I might be one of the best in UK now by the way.”
As a tech artist, Si says he always has ideas. He’s currently working on creating a 3D print walking tank shell for the robodog to wear. And, he says, he’s glad people in Horsham like seeing him out with BenBen. “I'm glad it is also bringing more happiness to the town.”
And many people in Horsham have spoken out on social media of their admiration. Horsham councillor Colin Minto said: “It's a brilliant robotic dog. Love it.”
Another person said: “Love this dog. Seen it many times.” Another described it as “fun” and “pretty cool.”
Another added: “Ìt’s a dog that doesn't leave its poo on the path.” And yet another said: “It’s wonderful to see.”
1. Robot dog
Si Zheng with his robot dog which responds to the name BenBen Photo: Contributed
2. Robot dog
Robot dog BenBen wearing 3D 'armour' Photo: Contributed
3. Robot dog
Si Zheng with his robot dog which responds to the name BenBen Photo: Contributed