Could you love a robot dog?

[doberman]

It's a cute idea, but it isn't for me. I'm very scent oriented and tactile. I know the smells of all of my cats and I love the warm smell of a clean dog. And fur! Running your hands through a animal's fur is one of life's great pleasures.

 

[Jambalaya]

I think it's great for people who can't have real pets, for whatever reason. I watched a few videos and it's sooo cute!

 

[Tartansparkles]

A few years ago I worked on a conference stand promoting new technology for offshore oil and gas, and a robotic dog was one of the innovations on the stand. I'll admit the dog was cute and I did end up talking to it throughout the day - I'll attribute my affection to boredom and being away from my kids for a couple of days. So I can see how this type of technology could help combat loneliness. The really interesting thing was when I questioned the need for cuteness since an oil platform in the North sea isn't somewhere you'd typically associate with melting hearts over a robotic dog. And the answer - it was part of the process of conditioning humans to accept automation, by making robots cute we'll be less scared when the real robots come along. I *think* the guy was pulling my leg, but sometimes I'm not so sure.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

I've seen this Black Mirror episode...

 

[Jambalaya]

These responses are too funny!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I think I could live with one!!! Sure there ain't nuthin like the real thing, but not everyone can have live animal. I think they be good cognitive company for those who need it.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Arcadian]

I'm a developer so....no. I'd tinker with it probably...lol

Real dogs are, like people, unpredictable. Each has their own personalities which I feel makes them unique from each other. I love that my girls are very different in a lot of ways, even though both are greyhounds. It can also be a bit exasperating but...lol yeah part of the package.

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

...it was part of the process of conditioning humans to accept automation, by making robots cute we'll be less scared when the real robots come along. I *think* the guy was pulling my leg, but sometimes I'm not so sure.

I've seen this Black Mirror episode...

My first thought was "Ahhhh! SKYNET!!"

But seriously though. Could I love a robot dog? Maybe. Then again, I am able to have real dogs sooo no thanks?

Pet tax:

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I love the transformers movie (the first one)
I would love it - but as its own entity - not as a substitute for a real dog or cat

 

[elizat]

For myself, I wouldn't be interested. But, if it makes someone else happy, that's fine too! I thought Furbies were creepy though. So definitely not for me.

 

[LightBright]

To me, it’s a cool concept but it’s not cute enough or fast or subtle enough to replace a pet. I’m going to look at more videos of this robot dog, though. Maybe it will grow on me!

 

[jaysonsmom]

I would not be able to love the one pictured. Maybe if they made a warm plush cuddly model. I like cuddling with my doggy.....and cuddling with plastic is not my cup of tea.

 

[missy]

For myself, I wouldn't be interested. But, if it makes someone else happy, that's fine too! I thought Furbies were creepy though. So definitely not for me.

Hahaha agreed. However, for some reason, I do love ugly dolls.

 

[Dee*Jay]

"Do androids dream of electric sheep?"


This was the first thing that came into my head...

 

[Matata]

I couldn't cozy up to a robotic animal but Westworld type robots, oh yeah. If I live long enough, I'll be advocating equal rights for human-like robots.

 

[Austina]

I would always prefer to have the real thing, but I suppose if I couldn’t, then maybe.

 

[Jambalaya]

Some owners interviewed also have real pets. One man has two boxer dogs, a cat, and an aibo!

Maybe having a robot pet is a thing in itself for some, and doesn't necessarily have to replace a real pet.