FIRST PHOTO: Prompted by a remote command from owner Brett Flippen of Kihei, Ilio the robotic dog lifts its front paw to shake Friday morning on the sidewalk along South Kihei Road. Flippen said the robot weighs more than 50 pounds, utilizes artificial intelligence and ChatGPT and can carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds. With its prancing footsteps and growing number of tricks, Ilio creates interest wherever it goes, Flippen said. “It’s so much fun,” Flippen said. “For kids and people, it is a whole new thing they are seeing.” He said he and the Chinese-manufactured dog often have conversations and that he is continually adding to its programming.

SECOND PHOTO: Nanoose Bay, B.C. resident Kim Ellis joins granddaughters Blakely Ellis, 5, (right) and Delilah Ellis, 4, in meeting Ilio the robotic dog early this month in Kihei.