Doly
Limited evidenceRead the findings →A palm-sized programmable desk robot on tank tracks, with screen eyes and voice commands. It suits teenagers or adults who want a robot to code and modify. Limitbit doesn't say how long the battery lasts.
Updated
See the alternatives below, or switch market.
Where it sits in Limitbit’s range
- Doly 3D Maker EditionElectronics kit; you 3D-print the shell yourself
- DolyThis model
- Doly Bundle (with track pack)The same robot sold with a track pack
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What we know
Doly launched on Kickstarter in February 2024, and coverage from New Atlas and CNX Software dates from then, describing the design: tank tracks, screen eyes, voice commands and a Raspberry Pi inside that you can program in blocks, Python or C++. Limitbit's own pages fill in the rest, from its desk-pet personality to on-device privacy. CNX Software points out that, although Limitbit calls it open hardware, some parts may stay closed.
A desk pet with a personality
Limitbit describes Doly as a character that keeps itself busy. It wanders the desk in different moods without falling off the edge, reacts when you stroke or nudge it, and heads home to charge the specifications. New Atlas adds that its eyes show emoji-style animations or a clock and weather, and its arms rise for a fist bump or a celebration. Limitbit itself says Doly may occasionally make mistakes.
Made to be programmed and modified
Doly runs Raspberry Pi's own Linux system on a Raspberry Pi compute module, with a Python and C++ toolkit, ports for extra sensors and servos, and design files for printing add-ons the specifications. New Atlas says beginners can start with a block-based coding interface. CNX Software notes that although Limitbit calls it open hardware, the company admits it doesn't fully follow open-source hardware rules, so some parts may stay closed. It's a real learning platform, but check what you can change before you buy.
Privacy, and what's not checked
Limitbit says Doly's core features run on the robot itself with no cloud connection, and that face recognition only happens if you choose to set it up the specifications. New Atlas reported a promise of free software updates for life and no subscription, plus a planned ChatGPT link, which would presumably need the internet. Nobody independent has checked any of this yet, or how well it understands speech, how reliably it avoids desk edges and finds its charger, how often it makes mistakes, or how long the battery lasts.
Our take
Should you buy the Doly?
Best for: Teenagers and adults wanting a desk robot to program. Skip it if: You want a finished companion without assembly or troubleshooting.
best suited to a teenager or adult who wants a desk robot to program and modify and likes that it works without the cloud. Energize Lab's Eilik is simpler if you just want a character that reacts, and LivingAI's EMO has more owner feedback behind it.
Doly is a small desk companion from Limitbit, a start-up in Ontario, Canada, that raised its money on Kickstarter. It trundles about on two tracks, raises its arms for a fist bump, pulls faces with two round screen eyes and answers spoken requests such as timers and the weather after "Hey Doly". It also runs on a Raspberry Pi, so you can program it in drag-and-drop blocks, Python or C++, plug in extra sensors and 3D-print add-ons.
Limitbit says the camera can learn the people in your home by name, that Doly avoids desk edges and drives itself back to its charger, and that core features run on the robot with no server and no subscription. The launch coverage dates from its Kickstarter campaign. Limitbit doesn't state battery life.
Before you buy
The questions people ask about this one
Does it need a subscription to keep working?
No, according to Limitbit, which lists no subscription and says the core features run on the robot the specifications. At launch, New Atlas reported a promise of software updates for the life of the product at no extra cost. Nobody has yet shown how often updates actually turn up.
What does it record, and where does that go?
Doly has an 8MP camera and two microphones. It takes photos when asked and can learn to recognise people by name if you set that up the specifications. Limitbit says it's designed to work without a server, keeping your privacy in your hands. That's the maker's claim, and nobody has independently checked what, if anything, leaves the device.
Does it work offline?
Largely, according to its makers. Limitbit says core features such as voice commands and face recognition run locally the specifications, and New Atlas describes it working as a standalone companion out of the box, with an app for driving it and changing settings. Any future chatbot features would likely need an internet connection.
Is it suitable for young children?
Limitbit gives no age rating the specifications, and according to New Atlas, its founder pitched it at users of all ages and skill levels. Block-based coding suits beginners, while Python and C++ suit older learners. It's a small robot with moving arms and tracks, and nobody has tested how well it survives a young child's handling.
What happens if the company stops supporting it?
Doly is better placed than most. It runs Raspberry Pi's standard Linux system and comes with a programming toolkit, design files and expansion ports, so owners can keep modifying it the specifications. CNX Software warns that not every part is open source, so some features could still depend on Limitbit.
Alternatives
Other companion robots to compare.
Eilik
Why consider it: A simpler desk character that giggles and sulks when touched, with no app or Wi-Fi needed.
The compromise: It doesn't chat or move around, and the battery lasts about 90 minutes.
EMO
Why consider it: A livelier desk character that dances and butts in while you work.
The compromise: Owners report patchy voice recognition, and some find it repetitive.
Reachy Mini
Why consider it: Another build-it-yourself desk robot that's great for learning about AI.
The compromise: Its software is still rough in places.
Specs
Full specifications
Each specification names its source. Manufacturer claims are not independent test results; unconfirmed figures are labelled.
Owner reviews
Do you own the Doly?
Tell people how it’s held up: cleaning, maintenance, faults and support. Owner accounts are shown separately from independent reviews.
Sources
Where this page’s findings come from
Sources
- New Atlas: Adorable buddy bot aims for the hearts and minds of future roboticists ↗News
- CNX Software: Doly – A cute little autonomous AI-powered robot based on Raspberry Pi CM4 module (Crowdfunding) ↗News
- Limitbit: Doly AI companion robot ↗Manufacturer
- Limitbit: Doly for developers: hardware and specifications ↗Manufacturer
Videos
- outsider238: Doly Robot Pet Companion From Limitbit ↗
- Wearable Search: Kickstarter: Doly, Your New Robotic Best Friend by Limitbit ↗
- Search YouTube for Limitbit Doly ↗Search results may include company demonstrations or similar models. Check the source and model name; a demonstration is not an independent performance test.