Just like us, our pets are living, breathing beings – just a different species. And that they’re creatures with minds of their own makes it all the more special when they decide to sit by us or spend time with us.
But could we see robot pets become more popular, even potentially replacing our familiar furry friends? They’re sometimes used in settings with elderly people dealing with loneliness, isolation or dementia, or with children who are learning how to take care of a pet. You’ll save money on the best dog food or cat treats, too, so could these robot pets become more widespread?
A new podcast from UK animal charity the RSPCA, Animal Futures, looks at the future of animal welfare with robot pets one area explored. In the first episode, journalist and RSPCA ambassador Kate Quilton speaks to Ted Fischer, the CEO and founder of Ageless Innovation, and Dr. Leanne Proops, an animal behavior specialist at the University of Portsmouth.
They discuss how robot pets can ease dementia symptoms, tackle loneliness and isolation, and play a role in therapy – as well as whether they could help improve animal welfare and play a bigger role in society as technology marches on.
Fischer explains how his company developed dogs, cats and birds that purr and paw, have realistic heartbeats, and verbally communicate back to their humans – and that some people have even been buried with their robot pets, such is their bond. We know there are so many ways having a pet changes your life, but are robot pets really the same?
For residents in three Washington, DC wards aged 60 and over, they certainly seem to be having a positive effect.
Dr. Proops, meanwhile, describes her research with children, in which she decided to see whether they’d prefer a robot pet or a real one. We know there are so many ways pets are in an important part of life, but are robot pets really the same?
Gemma Hope, RSPCA Assistant Director of Policy, Advocacy and Evidence, said, “Robot pets is a really fascinating topic. While many of us at the RSPCA and our supporters couldn’t imagine replacing our much-loved pets with a robot, our research shows more than one in four (26%) would consider it.
“In this episode, we hear how in some settings, like care homes or therapy, robot pets are bringing amazing benefits. But as more robot pets are coming on the market this year, and with AI likely to make them more realistic, we are also exploring what impact this could have on our relationship with animals – both good and bad.”
Find out more about the RSPCA’s Animal Futures project on their website. Meanwhile, you can take a look at our pet tech coverage here.
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