VoCo Dog

This concept drawing depicts a possible idea for how to design (roughly) a voice command Lego dog. The dog would use motors to control functions such as moving legs for walking and sitting, pivoting head, opening mouth, and wagging tail, as well as sensors sensitive to human touch so the dog will stop or respond to being pet. All of the motors and sensors would connect to the voice command box/control box that would be programmed to receive different voice commands such as "walk," "sit," "stay," "roll over," and "lay down." The basic movements of the dog are controlled by motors that are attached via axle assemblies and gears to actuators/pistons that move different components of the dog, such as wag its tail. The leg assembly depicted in the drawing would comprise of a single motor powering one front leg and one hind leg on one side, with the same assembly on the other side, but offset in timing from that on the first side, allowing the dog to walk. Additional motors and actuators could be distributed throughout the leg to allow the dog to bend its knees or move its paws, however the knee assembly could remain rigid and the paws articulated but not motorized. The skeleton of the dog would be made using technic bricks and arms, while the exterior would use typical plate and brick construction. The voice command box would be located on the dog's belly for easy programming. This model could also be redesigned as a cat, making it a "2 in 1" set, allowing the "owner" to choose what pet they want. A voice command dog would be a great interactive and unique set, encompassing almost all types of building styles and techniques while offering a fun and realistic pet!