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Alipay's robot dog runs errands, pays with AI

Alipay and Gaode's robot dog Tutu team up to let AI handle payments

On September 11, Alipay unveiled a new collaboration with Gaode Momentum: a robot dog that can run errands and pay for things on your behalf. The product, called "AI Pay · Embodied Intelligence," is the first time AI payment capabilities have been applied to embodied machines. Netizens have already nicknamed it "Dog Leg Pay."

How it works

Gaode's robot dog, Tutu, can follow instructions to go out and complete purchases. Whether it's buying a bottle of soy sauce or picking up a package, Tutu handles the payment within the owner's authorization. According to Alipay, the system uses APASS, a commercial trust infrastructure developed by Ant Group. APASS stands for "Know Your Agent" and builds a full-process trust mechanism around the identity, intent, authorization, and behavior of intelligent agents. This means AI payments move from simply "being able to pay" to "paying with trust."

Why it matters

For everyday users, this could mean sending a robot to run errands without worrying about security. The robot acts as an extension of you, but only within the limits you set. It's a step toward a future where machines don't just assist us—they transact for us.

The bigger picture

Alipay's move signals a growing trend: as robots become more capable, payment systems need to adapt. The APASS framework could become a standard for how AI agents handle money, ensuring every transaction is authorized and secure. While it's still early days, the idea of a robot dog buying groceries might soon feel as normal as ordering online.

Key Points

  • Alipay and Gaode Momentum launch "AI Pay · Embodied Intelligence," enabling robot dogs to make payments.
  • The system uses APASS, a trust infrastructure based on KYA (Know Your Agent) principles.
  • Robot dog Tutu can run errands and pay within owner authorization.
  • This marks the first application of AI payment on embodied machines.
  • The development points to a future where AI agents handle transactions securely.