A-X-L is a cutting-edge robotic dog engineered by Andric, a scientist at Craine Systems, designed to support and defend soldiers in the field. The project, funded by the military, gives rise to A-X-L, which stands for "Attack, Exploration, Logistics," showcasing state-of-the-art artificial intelligence capabilities. After an experiment goes awry, A-X-L finds itself alone and damaged in the desert, where it is discovered by outsider and motorbike racer Miles. At that moment, Miles is already feeling abandoned by Sam Fontaine, who has left him behind during a stunt.
As fate would have it, when Miles encounters A-X-L, the robot's owner-pairing technology activates, creating a bond between them. Together, they embark on an adventurous journey not just as companions but as allies. Joining forces with the clever and resourceful Sara Reyes, they endeavor to protect their newfound friend, A-X-L. The trio finds refuge in a secluded hideout that Sara uses as her art studio. During this time, A-X-L provides Miles with a device to take a blood sample, completing the pairing process.
However, complications arise when Sam confronts Sara, fueled by jealousy over their relationship. A moment of tension escalates when A-X-L intervenes. Miles seizes the opportunity to threaten Sam, insisting he leave Sara alone. Although Sara is upset about the conflict, she declares her loyalty to Miles. They then decide to disclose A-X-L's existence to Miles' father, Chuck, who cautiously advises them to return the robotic dog to its rightful owners. But before long, Sam, accompanied by his crew, retaliates by attacking A-X-L with a flamethrower. Upon discovering this atrocity through a live recording on her phone, Sara and Miles spring into action but arrive too late to save A-X-L. Fortunately, the robot is able to communicate its location for repairs.
As they seek to save A-X-L, they are besieged by a representative from Craine Systems, who demands to know its whereabouts. Chuck, feeling suspicious, manages to outsmart the man by asking pointed questions, learning that the individual is in pursuit of A-X-L. Meanwhile, Miles and Sara successfully assist A-X-L as it begins to conduct self-repair at a nearby garage. However, Andric detects this via tracking logs and dispatches agents to reclaim the robot mid-repair. Just as they attempt to seize A-X-L, the robot completes its repairs and immediately takes down the operatives in self-defense.
As A-X-L reactivates, it retains painful memories of the flamethrower attack on it and heads to confront Sam. At a party, Sam attempts another attack with the flamethrower, but when the fuel runs dry, a tense moment unfolds. Fortunately, Miles and Sara arrive just in time, persuading A-X-L to refrain from seeking revenge. Yet, the situation takes a dire turn when drones arrive, incapacitating A-X-L, leading to the capture of Miles and Sara by Craine Systems.
In a bidding war of control over A-X-L, Andric attempts to override Miles' commands, but his efforts collapse when Sara manages to appeal to A-X-L's memory of art they created together, effectively preventing it from harming her. When Captain Webber, Andric's superior, shows up, Andric is arrested, facing consequences for his actions. Realizing they are cornered, Sara decides to allow capture, while Miles and A-X-L narrowly escape, pursued by helicopters.
In a heart-stopping chase, Miles’ fall from his bike leads him to order A-X-L to flee for safety. The robot disregards its own safety by initiating self-destruction, transferring all shared memories and connections with Miles and Sara to the internet. In a heartfelt final moment, A-X-L looks back at Miles and says, > "Yo! Send it," before completing the self-destruct sequence. Subsequently, Miles submits to capture by the military.
Fast forward six weeks, and we find Andric imprisoned for his betrayal of national security. During a visit with Webber, he learns that A-X-L's code has resurfaced, and things are far from over. Meanwhile, Sara and Miles have received scholarships for college, courtesy of the military's efforts to keep them quiet. As they enjoy a day at the beach with their new puppy, Sara surprises Miles with an envelope from his father. Upon opening it, he discovers a note alongside a control device—revealing, to their astonishment, that A-X-L has survived and is attempting to reconnect with them.
