Yukai Engineering QooboIManualCompare

Released 2018.12Reassessed 2026.09.20Compare

Yukai Engineering Qoobo

Name: Yukai Engineering Qoobo
Brand: Yukai Engineering

Two servos and an accelerometer inside a 2.2 lb fur cushion: stroke it and the tail changes angle, speed and tempo. It does not move, listen or speak, and that narrow range is the design.

List price

$199.99

Released 2018.12Reassessed 2026.09.20

Autonomy Ladder

Why Level I.

One five-rung scale, every category, from acting only on command to working unsupervised anywhere.

VGeneralized AutonomyAny task, any setting. No consumer robot has reached it.
IVEnvironmental AutonomyCopes with everyday clutter and frees itself, shown by independent testing.
IIIConditional AutonomyFinishes whole jobs in familiar spaces; struggles at the edges.
IIAssisted AutonomyRuns preset routines; stalls at anything new.
To reach Level IIRuns a scheduled routine end to end without a command for each step.
IManual AutomationThis robot

Yukai Engineering Qoobo acts only on command, one motion at a time.
What it does on its own
- An accelerometer (BMA223, per an independent teardown) detects stroking and triggers tail motion.
- Two servos move the tail on two axes; a hands-on review reports the tail's angle, speed and tempo change with the strength and speed of the stroke.
- The tail also wags on its own at times, per a hands-on review.
- Yukai lists a 6.0 V NiMH battery with about 8 hours of operation and 4 to 8 hours to charge, using the included AC adaptor and cable.
- The fur cover unzips and can be washed, per Yukai, a hands-on review and an independent teardown.
Why this level
- iFixit's teardown finds one BMA223 accelerometer driving two tail servos, and no drive system.
- Stroking sets the tail's speed and tempo, and it occasionally wags unprompted, but it completes no task and senses nothing beyond motion of the cushion.
- That places it at Level I, Manual Automation, on the Autonomy Ladder.
What holds it at Level I
- Stationary: the teardown documents tail servos only, with no drive system.
- Yukai lists sound and voice reaction for Petit Qoobo, not for the full-size Qoobo, and an independent teardown documents no microphone.
- The tail motor is audible; Yukai support calls motor squeaks normal.
- After extended petting it enters a rest mode; Yukai support says it usually becomes active again after about 30 minutes.
- Replacement fur covers are not sold separately, per Yukai support.
Autonomy dimension 15 / 100 · 6 independent sources reviewed, 4 from the maker

How we assign a level →

Behind the classification

Sources on file.

Verified6 independent sources reviewed, 4 from the maker

Five or more independent sources reviewed. The word says how much we read. It is not a grade.

Independent sources reviewed6

Press & video reviews3 sources

TechCrunch, Digital Trends and GIGAZINE reviews of tail behavior and upkeep

Independent teardown1 source

iFixit teardown documenting servos, accelerometer, NiMH pack and zippered cover

Qoobo TeardowniFixit

Monitoring record2 sources

Sources behind the tracker entries following this robot.

From the maker, reviewed4

Manufacturer documentation4 sources

Yukai store spec sheet, brand site, support FAQ and US launch release

How we evaluate evidence →

Human Readiness

Ready Now.

One question: what does buying this robot today walk you into? The state is computed from the record, and recomputed daily.

Ready NowThis robot

Yukai Engineering Qoobo is on sale, assessed, and nothing on its record argues for waiting.
How this was derived
- Shipping past the first-90-day ownership window with a published assessment, no documented issues on record, and no announced successor.
Notes on the record
- Qoobo reached US buyers on 13 Dec 2018, per Yukai's launch release, and Yukai's US store lists Husky Gray in stock at $199.99.
- French Brown shows sold out there, and Yukai's Japanese store lists both colors out of stock.
On the record
- Shipping since December 2018 · 94 months on the market
- Retail listings on file: Amazon
- No current new-stock listing confirmed
- No successor announced
- 6 independent sources reviewed, 4 from the maker
What would move it
A documented problem, an announced successor, or a withdrawn listing moves it out; the rating recomputes daily.
New to MarketOn sale under 90 days; the ownership record is still forming.
WaitA successor is announced and has not shipped; re-read the decision when it arrives.
Known IssuesDocumented problems stand on the record; read the case before buying.

How we assess readiness →

Robovations Score

How this number was reached

49of 100

LimitedAt or above 6% of the 456 robots we scoreand 20% of the 25 scored specialty robots

DeficientLimitedCapableStrongExemplary

Measured on 8 of the 9 inputs16% not counted

Our assessment did not establish an independent source for field failure rate on this machine, so that input is left out of the score rather than guessed at, and the rest re-weighted to fill the space. A gap in what we have been able to verify is not evidence against the robot. Where a whole pillar has nothing measured, we publish no number at all.

What moved itpoints gained or lost against a typical robot

Carried by

Routine maintenance85+2.0
Consumables90+1.7
Edge-case recovery60+0.7

Held back by

Coverage and navigation0−7.2
Software stability33−4.5
Task completion50−3.5

Capability40% of the score42What it does without you.

Task completion16% of the score50

Evidence

Default row (single-point device; capability caps at 50). TechCrunch and Digital Trends reviews describe the tail responding to stroking on demand, which is one action rather than a job across a work area.

Coverage and navigation10% of the score0

Evidence

Default row. iFixit's teardown shows two tail servos and no drive system, so there is no work area and no coverage logic.

Edge-case recovery10% of the score60

Evidence

Default row. TechCrunch reports it enters sleep mode after extended petting; Yukai support says it usually reactivates after about 30 minutes without owner action.

Operating envelope4% of the score70

Evidence

Default row. Reviewers at TechCrunch and Digital Trends used it on laps and as a pillow indoors; Yukai lists a 10 to 35 C, 20 to 80% humidity range, and TechCrunch notes the buzzing is audible when used as a pillow.

Dependability40% of the score38Whether it keeps doing it.

Field failure ratenot countedno source verified70

Evidence

Default row. No outside source reports failure frequency: the three reviews report no faults over short use, and iFixit only flags the tail tendons as a fatigue risk. Unevidenced.

Software stability14% of the score33

Evidence

Default row. No update channel: iFixit's teardown shows a fixed microcontroller board with no documented wireless module, and Yukai lists no app or firmware updates.

Support longevity10% of the score45

Evidence

Yukai has sold Qoobo since its Dec 2018 US launch and runs a support FAQ with contact hours, but publishes no warranty length, battery replacement or repair program on its store or support pages, and does not sell replacement covers.

Ownership burden20% of the score87What it asks of you.

Routine maintenance12% of the score85

Evidence

Default row. Digital Trends reports charging about weekly with evening use and a removable, washable cover; iFixit confirms the zippered cover. No dock, filter or scheduled part is involved.

Consumables8% of the score90

Evidence

Default row. Yukai's spec sheet lists no consumable parts and iFixit's teardown shows none; the NiMH pack is the only wear item, and Yukai publishes no replacement part or interval for it.

middle half of the databaseits medianthis robot

Reported, not scoredneither measures how well the robot works

Five-year cost$200

Purchase price of $199.99 at Yukai's US store. Yukai lists no consumables or subscription and publishes no battery replacement price, so the estimate assumes the original pack lasts five years.

Data postureLocal

Core function needs no account and no network.

What leaves the homeDocumented

No camera or microphone is documented: an independent teardown lists an accelerometer as the sensing component. Yukai lists no app, account or wireless feature, so nothing documented leaves the home.

On-device processingNo

Read the full methodology →

FIT CHECK

Will the Yukai Engineering Qoobo fit your application?

Describe your use case using the controls. Each choice reads the spec sheet for you, flagging where the Yukai Engineering Qoobo is built for your space and where it isn’t.

Who It Comforts

Response Wanted

Where It Sits

Noise Sensitivity

A classification of fit for the conditions you set, not a recommendation. Verdicts describe engineering design intent, not test results.

OWNERSHIP

Living with it.

On sale since 2018, and no outside source documents a recurring failure.

Stableowner-reported arc

The record so far

Reviewers report no faults over short-term use. An independent teardown flags the spring and cable-tendon tail as the part most exposed to fatigue.

What goes wrong3 documented · 1 self-recover

Common

Audible motor buzzNoise during wags, including unprompted

Owner fixNone needed; Yukai calls motor squeaks normalper Hands-on review, 2021

Occasional

Rest mode after long pettingTail stops responding for a while

Self-recoversLeave it about 30 minutes to reactivateper Press coverage, 2020

Rare

Tail tendon fatigueWeaker or stalled tail motion

Owner fixContact Yukai support; no published repair programper Independent teardown, 2020

Upkeep routine

Weekly52×/yr

Recharge with the included AC adaptor; one reviewer charged about weekly with evening-only use.

As neededno fixed schedule

Recharge when the LED flashes every 4 seconds, Yukai's low-battery signal; a full charge takes 4 to 8 hours.

Unzip the fur cover and soak it in lukewarm water with laundry detergent; Yukai warns the texture may change.

Let it rest about 30 minutes if the tail stops after a long petting session, per Yukai support.

Keep use within Yukai's 10 to 35 C and 20 to 80% humidity operating range.

Cost over time

$199 to buy, with no regularly replaced parts. The purchase price is effectively the full cost of ownership.

Safety notes1 caution · 2 notes

CautionWash the cover, not the bodyYukai's washing guidance covers the fur cover only; unzip it first and keep the electronics dry.
Indoor operating rangeYukai lists 10 to 35 C and 20 to 80% humidity as operating conditions.
Low-battery and error LEDsSlow flashing every 4 seconds means low battery; fast flashing signals an error, per Yukai support.

SPECIFICATION

The full spec sheet.

Priced below the category median, with every figure charted against the category below.

Dimensional drawing

Key specificationsManufacturer-publishedSources: Manufacturer support Product page

FootprintThe width, depth and height of the robot itself, without its dock.: 20.47 × 12.6 in, 5.91 in tall
WeightThe robot alone, without its dock, as the maker states it.: 2.2 lbs

Where it lands · position among 46 specialty robotsThis robotMedianTypical range

RuntimeThe maker's stated running time on one charge, at a standard setting.480min

30 min1,080 min

Near median

PriceThe maker's list price, not a price found in a shop.$199.99

$29$100,000

Bottom of range

WeightThe robot alone, without its dock, as the maker states it.2.2lbs

0.09 lbs131.59+ lbs

Bottom of range

Position shows where the figure sits across the tracked category, not a quality judgment.

Official referencesManufacturer support Product page

RECORD

How the assessment has moved.

Every announcement, release and reassessment behind the current classification.

Coming soon

Just launched

Active updates

Settled

Discontinued

Sep 2026 · AssessmentRecord status: Provisional → Verified
Sep 2026 · AssessmentRobovations Score revised 46 → 49
Aug 2026 · AssessmentReadiness assessed as Ready Now
Aug 2026 · AssessmentRobovations Score recorded at 46 of 100
Oct 2017 · AnnouncementYukai Engineering unveils Qoobo, a robotic cushion with a wagging tail

Questions

What people actually ask.

6 answered

OperationDoes Qoobo's tail react to sound the way Petit Qoobo's does?

No sound reaction is documented for the full-size model. Yukai lists voice and sound reaction for Petit Qoobo, and an independent teardown of Qoobo found an accelerometer and two servos with no microphone.

OperationCan the Qoobo fur cover be washed?

Yes. The cover unzips from the body. Yukai advises soaking a heavily soiled cover in lukewarm water with laundry detergent and pressing it gently, and warns the fur texture may change. Replacement covers are not sold separately.

OperationHow long does Qoobo run between charges?

Yukai lists about 8 hours of operation and 4 to 8 hours to recharge. One reviewer charged roughly once a week with evening-only use.

OperationWhy did Qoobo stop wagging after a long petting session?

It has a rest mode. Yukai support says it usually becomes active again after about 30 minutes.

OperationIs the squeak or buzz from Qoobo's tail a fault?

Yukai support states motor squeaks are normal and not a sign of malfunction. A fast-flashing LED is the error signal.

CompatibilityDoes Qoobo need Wi-Fi or a phone app?

No. Yukai’s spec sheet lists only an AC adaptor and charging cable, and it runs from a power switch.

Availability

Where it's sold

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We are no longer finding a current new-stock listing for this robot. Remaining offers may be used, refurbished, or third-party — confirm the condition and price on the retailer’s page before buying.

Amazon See current listings

Cite & Embed

Reference the Yukai Engineering Qoobo classification.

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Citation

Robovations. "Yukai Engineering Qoobo: Autonomy Level I (Manual Automation)." Autonomy Ladder™, assessed September 2026. https://robovations.com/robots/yukai-engineering-qoobo/

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Where to next

Three ways to keep going.

For evaluators

Compare with a peer.

See the Yukai Engineering Qoobo and ElliQ 3 side by side: autonomy level, Robovations Score, readiness, and price. Classification, not a verdict.

See the full comparison

Or compare with Ropet KAMOMO, Moflin, Vector 2.0.

For browsers

See every Level I.

Every robot we’ve classified at manual automation. Sorted by readiness, score, and price. Filter by category, manufacturer, or release date.

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Yukai Engineering Qoobo

Will the Yukai Engineering Qoobo fit your application?

Living with it.

The full spec sheet.

How the assessment has moved.

What people actually ask.

Other specialty robots we have classified.

Ropet KAMOMO

Moflin

SwitchBot Bot

ElliQ 3

Where it's sold

Reference the Yukai Engineering Qoobo classification.

Three ways to keep going.

Get the next reassessment.

Compare with a peer.

See every Level I.