But not Scary Maclary.
University of Otago computer science researchers are developing software to help the robotic dog deal with unpredictable and complicated environments, such as forests, steep or mountainous terrain, or badly damaged buildings that are too dangerous to enter.
Computer science Prof Brendan McCane said Scary Maclary was equipped with sensors and cameras, and the team was developing his capability for self-learning mechanisms, such as mapping a space, remembering where obstacles are and finding objects.
Eventually, it could possibly be used for search and rescue operations in dangerous environments, he said.
"Ultimately, we would want to be able to say things like, ‘go get me a beer from the fridge’, and it would know where the fridge is and the most efficient route to get there.
"It could be programmed to know where things are and it could have multiple applications, both inside the house and outside the house."
Aside from the research, Scary Maclary was often allowed to unplug from the wall and play with children, in the hope he would inspire young people to pursue computer science.
"The kids just love him.
"He doesn’t do all the annoying things that real dogs do.
"You don’t have to clean up after him, you don’t have to house train him, he doesn’t bark at the neighbours unless you ask him to, and he is also very hypoallergenic.
"You could imagine such things being good companion animals," he said.
"Fortunately for children, he doesn’t have that "fetch beer" command ... yet."
