Could the future for man’s best friend be more chrome than canine?
During the 1990s and early 2000s, digital or robotic pets were at the top of most children’s Christmas lists. From the pocket-sized Tamagotchi to the spirited Furby, these toys gave us a glimpse of what we could expect from developers in the future. Since our interests were piqued over 20 years ago, the idea of a robotic pet has far surpassed the realm of being just a toy, with many having become a functional and useful piece of technology. Earlier this year at the CES exhibition in Las Vegas, Sony showcased their latest recreation of the 90s hit robot dog, Aibo. Almost unrecognisable compared to its original form, the new Aibo is arguably the most technologically advanced robotic pet on the market. Jam-packed with sensory, locomotive and automated technology, this robot dog has raised an important question: Could our animal companions ever be replaced by robots?
CREATING A COMPANION
When it comes to robotic animals, there is a significant difference between what is a toy and what you could truly consider a pet. One key difference lies in their level of autonomy and accompanying artificial intelligence (AI). The majority of robopet toys of the 90s and 2000s had been programmed with limited abilities. They could give a set response to sounds or be controlled remotely by their user to follow commands. Therefore it’s hard to imagine that the unique characteristics of our beloved pets could ever be reproduced in a robotic alternative. However, with the introduction of AI to life-imitating pets, their ability to learn and develop a ‘personality’ could make them much more than just a toy.
This story is from the Issue 113 edition of How It Works.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 113 edition of How It Works.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WHAT IS THE SMELL OF RAIN?
After rainfall, this distinctive aroma is released from the soil
Galileo's GREATEST DISCOVERIES
Peer into the mind of this trailblazing astronomer and discover his pioneering observations
WHY JUPITER'S GREAT RED SPOT IS VANISHING
Jupiter’s complex weather system is sapping its famous red spot at an alarming rate. And scientists predict the feature could vanish within our lifetimes
HOW ARE CARS RECYCLED?
Step into one of the UK’s largest car recycling centres to discover the secrets of a vehicle disassembly line
INSECT INSPIRATION
Why flies have had an impact on science
WHY WE NEED FLIES
They’re some of the strangest and most reviled insects on the planet, but they’re also incredibly useful
WHERE DOES YOUR POO GO?
Following the flush, your body’s waste undergoes a long journey as it’s prepped to return safely to the environment
HOW DIALYSIS MACHINES WORK
These lifesaving devices take over the role of failing kidneys
WHAT IF THERE WAS NO GRAVITY?
How this fundamental force controls the way things move on Earth and throughout the universe
Fungi seem to 'sweat' to stay cool
Mushrooms, and possibly all fungi, have the ability to cool down by ‘sweating’ away water