Red Deer Polytechnic Unveils Robotic Dog Dr. Woof on Campus

Students at Red Deer Polytechnic in central Alberta are engaging with an innovative new addition to their campus: a robotic dog named Dr. Woof. This high-tech canine can dance, play badminton, and assist in alleviating social isolation, while also exploring environments that may be unsafe for humans. The institution announced Dr. Woof’s debut in August 2025, aiming to stimulate discussions around robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing.

Yaksh Sharma, an applied research technician at Red Deer Polytechnic, has been responsible for Dr. Woof’s care since its arrival. He has taken the robot across campus, where it quickly gained popularity among students and staff alike. Equipped with cameras and sensors, Dr. Woof utilizes artificial intelligence to perceive and respond to its surroundings. “You usually see these things on TikTok or reels. Seeing it in real life is just exciting,” Sharma remarked. He is particularly enthusiastic about the robot’s ability to be programmed for various tasks, including barking and speaking.

Tonya Wolfe, associate vice-president of applied research at Red Deer Polytechnic, emphasized the practical applications of this technology. She highlighted its potential to undertake hazardous tasks, such as entering mines to assess air quality. Drawing a parallel to the historical use of canaries in mining, Wolfe explained, “If the canary comes out, you know it’s safe. But now we can have Dr. Woof go in, scan the environment and let us know if it’s safe.” The robot’s design allows for integration with multiple sensors, enabling it to inspect confined spaces and detect gas leaks.

The versatility of Dr. Woof extends to its capacity for predictive maintenance, collecting data on a daily basis to reduce the workload on human operators. Wolfe noted, “So humans don’t need to do that work. We can do other things instead.” This initiative not only showcases advanced technology but also provides students with hands-on experience in applying their software skills in real-world scenarios.

Looking ahead, Dr. Woof is set to participate in the Girls in Aviation Day on September 20 at the Red Deer Regional Airport, where students will have the opportunity to navigate the robot through various obstacles. There are also plans for Dr. Woof to appear at the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show in Toronto later this month, pending travel arrangements. Wolfe humorously speculated, “We’ll just have to see if they’ll be able to get a ticket on the airplane.”

As Dr. Woof continues to capture attention and spark curiosity, Red Deer Polytechnic reinforces its commitment to advancing education in robotics and technology. The robotic dog’s presence on campus serves as a testament to the institution’s innovative approach to learning and research, paving the way for future advancements in automation and artificial intelligence.