The first time I saw Beni on Instagram, I thought it was AI slop. Then I took the real robot for a spin.
Shenzhen-based startup Mondo Robotics — founded by DJI veterans — has unleashed something genuinely delightful: Beni, a two-legged robot dog with a built-in 4K camera that can run at nearly 18 mph, jump 10 inches into the air, climb stairs, and automatically track and film you (or your pet) like a personal cinematographer.
Available now on Kickstarter for roughly $600 ($800 at full retail), Beni is part robotic pet, part action camera, and part RC toy — and according to The Verge‘s Sean Hollister who tested the bot in downtown Oakland, it is surprisingly durable and an absolute joy to use.
What Makes Beni Special?
- All-terrain mobility: Two motorized legs with spring-loaded cylindrical joints absorb shock. Beni can run, hop, climb stairs, and even recover after being knocked over by rotating its legs to get its wheeled feet back under its body.
- 4K HDR camera: Shoots super-stable 4K30 HDR video (or 3K60 / 1080p100). The head can rotate fully backward to film you from the front.
- Smart tracking: Follow you from behind, film from the side, or orbit around you like a drone — all hands-free. Controlled via smartphone app or bundled wrist-worn joystick controller.
- Long battery life: Swappable 31Wh battery delivers up to 1.5 hours of operation. 32GB internal storage plus microSD expansion.
- Personality: Beni responds to head pats with jumps, shakes, and cooing sounds while flashing lights from its Wall-E-esque eyes. The head-turns-before-body movement makes it feel almost alive.
Not Just a Toy — a Tool
Beyond being an adorable companion, Beni has real utility. The movable orange ears conceal 1/4-inch tripod threads for mounting photo/video accessories. Mondo plans to release 3D printer files for camera mounts and body armor. There is even talk of a treat-tosser accessory for your pets and a dock-and-charge station.
And for power users? The app lets you adjust ride height, camera pitch, stabilization degree, movement speed, joystick curves — and it is compatible with third-party controllers like racing wheels and FPV headsets.
The Catch? It is a Kickstarter
Mondo Robotics is a relatively unknown startup, and Beni is a crowdfunding project — so the usual caveats apply: shipping delays, certification hurdles, and the risk of non-delivery. That said, the team hails from DJI and claims full in-house manufacturing, with a target ship date of fall 2026.
Early testing shows Beni is not perfect — obstacle avoidance can clip corners, and the follow-me mode sometimes runs into walls. But given its durability (the bot bounced back from dozens of intentional crashes), camera quality, and sheer fun factor, Beni might just be the most exciting consumer robot to hit the market this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Beni cost?
A: $600 on Kickstarter (early bird), $800 at full retail.
Q: When will it ship?
A: Expected fall 2026, according to Mondo Robotics.
Q: Can Beni really jump and climb stairs?
A: Yes — 10 inches of vertical jump and confirmed stair-climbing capability in early testing.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Up to 1.5 hours with a swappable 31Wh battery.
Q: Is it for outdoor and indoor use?
A: Yes — comes with interchangeable wheels (outdoor and indoor sets available).