There is a long history of affection between humans and animals. The idea of household pets has been around for thousands of years. Evidence suggests that the domestication of cats dates to 3000 BCE and that the domestication of dogs occurred even earlier. Ancient Roman women were known to have lap dogs. It was even believed that the warmth offered by the canine companions could cure a stomach ache.
Today animals are still used to bring comfort to those who are sick. For example, “therapy dogs” are regularly taken to visit patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Pets continue to play an important role in offering support and friendship to their human companions. In fact, many people see their pets as members of the family. A life without pets is simply unthinkable for many people. Although life today is drastically different from the way our ancestors lived, one thing that has not changed is the special bond shared between humans and pets—at least not yet.
Will the relationship between mortal and beast endure for thousands of years more, or will the idea of living with domesticated animals eventually be seen as primitive? A new twist on an old concept may mean embracing a new breed of pets. Roll over, Rover, and welcome everybody’s new best friend. The fantastic age of robotic pets is on the horizon.
The idea of having a robot as a pet may seem strange or controversial to some. Debate aside, owning a robotic pet could have its rewards. One advantage of robotic pets would be the elimination of allergy concerns. Unlike live pets, robots wouldn’t have real fur or hair or skin that can flake off in tiny particles called dander and cause allergies. With robotic pets, no dander—no problem. Another benefit of robotic pets is they would be much easier to care for. They wouldn’t require feeding, cleaning, grooming, or regular visits to the vet. They wouldn’t run away and could be programmed to “live” as long as their masters do. And they could probably be programmed to bark or meow realistically, just like our live furry friends.
The reality of robotic pets is not too far off. An invention that started off as a photography tool for extreme sports enthusiasts has inspired the idea of other applications for robots. This happened when a technology company introduced a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) to the consumer market, targeted at the professional athlete. The purpose of this “flying robot” was to act as an extremely mobile sports photographer. For example, the UAV “flying robot” could follow a diver right off a diving board, recording the entire event!
The idea for a robotic pet took shape when an inventor noticed several people describing the UAV as being like a pet that followed them around. He believes this is an indication of the potential companionship that can exist between humans and robots.
The initial design for the pet robot uses an artificial intelligence system that can post things to your computer or cell phone, remind you of chores and homework assignments, and make sure you keep your appointments. Robotic pets may be beneficial and even fun, but the question remains: Can a robotic breed find its way into pet owners’ hearts?
Some research suggests that the answer is “yes.” One study from the University of Washington examined how humans responded to robotic dogs as compared to live dogs. First, researchers gave children the choice of interacting with a live dog or a robotic one. The children mostly chose the live animal. However, when the robotic dog was the only choice, the children displayed emotions toward it very similar to their feelings toward a live dog. The children were then interviewed and asked a series of questions about the robotic dog. It turned out that they showed a strong concern for the robot’s physical and psychological well-being.
An old saying states that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Perhaps this concept holds true for affection as well. Whether the object of one’s affection is a live animal or a robotic pet, it is the human who assigns meaning to the connection in both cases. It is evident that the household pet is woven into the very fabric of our lives. Will the types of pets we will own in the future be capable of a similar relationship?