roboticpets

[roboticpets]

Are Robotic Pets as Good as Real Ones?

Robotic pets are, exactly as the name implies, manmade animals (or insects) that are equipped with an array of sensors and motors enabling them to move freely, and are programmed to behave similarly as their biological likeness. The potential scope is nearly infinite. From practical uses, like seeing-eye “dogs,” to the gimmicky, like courier “pigeons”, this constantly developing sector will alter the course of humanity. 

Humans have always had a relationship with animals. While debate will always rage over the domestication of animals (humans dominating the environment v. mutually beneficial), according to archaeologist Dr Melinda A Zeder, factors like group structure and their responses to humans helped those animals become domesticated. In creating robotic pets, we presumptively control every step in the process and will make an ideal version. 

Dr Jean-Loup Rault, who studies animal behaviour and welfare, notes in his book Frontiers of Veterinary Science how pet ownership in the digital world can be expanded on when debating robotic pets. He discusses refinement, or recognising which animal would make a good robotic pet. The concept of a robotic dog is cool, but would a robotic tiger be any more acceptable as a pet than a real tiger?

Rault’s second point is that ownership is a luxury which most Western countries take for granted. The concept of riding a horse for fun and competition is lost on a person who knows horses only as a transportation device which can be traded with no real emotional attachment. Rault notes that urban development makes pet ownership unsustainable long term. While NZ generally is very lucky with back yards and easily accessible parks, it is no wonder that AIBO (a robotic dog) originated in Japan. 

The last point Rault cites is that getting rid of biological pets and replacing them with robotic ones eliminates the potential hassle of having a real pet while still maintaining the emotional and mental balance of non-human companionship. A study done by Gail F. Melson studied three different age groups (preschoolers, school aged children, adults) and their perceptions of an AIBO. Melson noted that participants from all three groups projected some form of cognitive and emotional function onto the AIBO. A majority of the adult group saw their AIBO as a companion similar to a real dog, despite knowing that it is a piece of technology. 

If people freely project traits onto their robotic pets, then further complications arise from the mistreatment of these “animals”. Logically, a robotic pet is a toy, a tool, a gimmick, an appliance. G. Jeffrey McDonald, writing for Christian Science Monitor asked the question “If you kick a robotic dog, is it wrong?” Lisa Lange, spokeswoman for PETA, is cited in the article agreeing that owing a robotic pet is a step in the right direction for those who may not be able to provide proper care for real animals. As far as PETA is concerned, a robotic dog is a piece of tin. I personally felt slightly unsettled watching videos of people kicking robotic dogs, but that could be the fear of damaging the technology inside.

 The list of potentially available robotic pets is awesome. They include a snake like project , a tarantula , dogs , and a seal . There have been studies using robotic pets like Paro with sick and elderly people to aid their well-being, and there is a wider concern that those unable to form social bonds with humans may seek affection from their inanimate pet. For now a robotic pet is a cool toy, until World War Beta is initiated. 

[roboticpets]

The Robot That is a Pet

A pet is an animal that you keep to care for and feed. It is also your responsibility to fulfill its needs like affection because you are its master. And in return, your pets are the ones responsible for giving you a happier home by their mere happy presence.

Unknowingly, they also are there to help relieve you of stress and helping you relate to others by its interaction. Pets may not be something you can buy over the counter but they are indeed very helpful in relieving stress. In fact, they have been approved by the medical community to be such and such as a scientific basis already. Walking your pet, especially your dogs, is a form of exercise and it helps you get your needed fresh air. Social interaction is also improved because pet lovers love to shares ideas and tips with each other on how to be better masters.

Pets have special characteristic that make humans drawn to them. Their playful attitude, loyalty and sometimes their attractive appearance is enough to charm people's hearts. According to a study done, the most kept pet there is are birds rather than dogs which is what you may be thinking right now. The lovable dogs just come next. Fishes are also some of the well-loved pets.

Having a pet around is truly beneficial. However, it also has its share of disadvantages. Pets can cause allergies or it can aggravate allergic conditions of its master and that is usually caused by their feathers and furs. Parasites like lice and other diseases can also be brought about by pets which have medical problems. Having pets can also mean having a big cut from your finances because of the food you give to them and the regular visits to the veterinary.

With these disadvantages, a very adorable pet robot is making waves in the market nowadays. Popularly known as Gupi, this robot is designed so you will feel that you actually have a pet in your homes - a robot pet, that is. Gupi reacts, responds and even has 30 different sounds that they use to converse with you. This pet's intelligence is because of the built-in sensors found in its eyes and legs. These sensors are also responsible for this wonderful feat - this pet robot can wander inside your home, avoid crashing with anything, does not fall off tables and even manages to get out of a maze.

Toy robots are indeed adorable. Gupi guinea pig has a soft furry cover and has the ability to recognize other Gupis and even gets hungry too! But the good thing with this pet is he can eat on his own and find his carrot-shaped charger when he gets "hungry". Gupi has a rechargeable battery and the carrot-charger runs with three LR44 batteries.