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a Sony Aibo

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Do Robots Make the Best Pets?

As You Read, Think About: What are some benefits of owning a robot pet? 

Courtesy of family 

Sophie Kuperwasser-Gupta with her robot pet Chip

Sophie Kuperwasser-Gupta has had her dog Chip for six years. The 10-year-old from Massachusetts loves playing fetch with Chip. She also teaches him tricks. When she says “Do yoga,” the dog does a headstand. 

That’s not the only thing that makes Chip different from other dogs. He also has wheels instead of paws and never drools. That’s because Chip is a robot! Sophie controls him using voice commands and an app. 

“He always finds ways to amuse me,” she says.

Many robot pets use even more advanced technology than Chip. Some have artificial intelligence (AI). That’s the ability of a machine to think, learn, and act like a human—or a pet. 

One of the most popular AI pets is a dog named Aibo. It’s made by Sony. The robot pooch learns new behaviors as its owners interact with it. Sony says Aibo also shows emotions—just like a real dog would. 

Companies that make AI pets claim people bond with their robots. So, they say, these machines can bring the same joy that real animals can. But many people argue that a robot could never take the place of a living thing.

Sophie Kuperwasser-Gupta has a dog named Chip. The 10-year-old from Massachusetts has had Chip for six years. Sophie loves playing fetch with him. She also teaches him tricks. When she says “Do yoga,” the dog does a headstand.  

That’s not the only thing that makes Chip different from other dogs. He also has wheels instead of paws. And he never drools. That’s because Chip is a robot! Sophie controls him using voice commands and an app. 

“He always finds ways to amuse me,” she says.

Many robot pets use even more advanced technology than Chip. Some have artificial intelligence (AI). That’s the ability of a machine to think, learn, and act like a human—or a pet. 

One of the most popular AI pets is a dog named Aibo. It’s made by Sony. The robot pooch learns new behaviors as its owners interact with it. Sony says Aibo also shows emotions—just like a real dog would.  

Companies that make AI pets claim people bond with their robots. So, they say, these machines can bring the same joy that real animals can. But many people argue that a robot could never take the place of a living thing.

Should people replace real animals with robot pets? 

According to companies that make AI pets, the robots are a great alternative for people with allergies. Up to 30 percent of Americans are allergic to cats or dogs. AI pets don’t have fur that could cause people to sneeze or have itchy eyes.

Harvey Castro is an expert on AI. He points out that AI pets are easy to care for. There’s no need to feed them or clean up their messes. Also, going on vacations isn’t a problem for robot pet owners. 

“People can either take AI pets with them or leave them home and not worry about getting a pet sitter,” says Castro.

The companies that make AI pets say the robots are a great alternative to real animals. This is especially true for people with allergies. Up to 30 percent of Americans are allergic to cats or dogs. AI pets don’t cause people to sneeze or have itchy eyes. That's because they don't have fur.

Harvey Castro is an expert on AI. He points out that AI pets are easy to care for. There’s no need to feed them or clean up their messes. Also, going on vacations isn’t a problem for robot pet owners. 

“People can either take AI pets with them or leave them home and not worry about getting a pet sitter,” says Castro.

Buying and caring for a Sony Aibo over 10 years costs about $5,000.

Source: Sony

Most robot pets aren’t cheap. Aibo, for example, costs $2,900 and has a yearly fee to keep its AI working. But over time, an AI pet can cost its owner much less than a real one. Robots don’t visit a veterinarian or need food.

Source: Sony

Most robot pets aren’t cheap. Aibo, for example, costs $2,900. It also has a yearly fee to keep its AI working. But over time, an AI pet can cost its owner much less than a real one. Robots don’t visit a veterinarian or need food.

Though robots can show emotions and learn tricks, many people say they’re no substitute for real animals. 

“That human to living creature connection is really hard to replicate with an AI pet,” Castro explains. “Even if you could, it would not be cheap. It might cost a million dollars to create a pet like that.”

Robots can show emotions and learn tricks. But many people say they’re no substitute for real animals. 

“That human to living creature connection is really hard to replicate with an AI pet,” Castro explains. “Even if you could, it would not be cheap. It might cost a million dollars to create a pet like that.”

The cost of adopting and caring for a real dog over 10 years can be more than $20,000.*

*Based on 2021 costs. Source: ASPCA

Pet owners point out that real dogs and cats help kids learn skills they wouldn’t get from owning a robot. A 2019 study found that pets help kids build confidence. Pet owners admit that caring for a real animal can be a lot of work. But they say it can teach kids how to be responsible and patient. 

Many kids already spend a lot of time using tablets, phones, and computers. Castro worries that a robot pet could be just another device that prevents kids from interacting with other people.

*Based on 2021 costs. Source: ASPCA

Pet owners point out that real dogs and cats help kids learn important skills. They say kids wouldn’t get these skills from owning a robot. A 2019 study found that pets help kids build confidence. Pet owners admit that caring for a real animal can be a lot of work. But they say it can teach kids how to be responsible and patient. 

Many kids already spend a lot of time with technology. They use tablets, phones, and computers. Castro worries that a robot pet could be just another device. Playing with a robot might prevent kids from interacting with other people.

Source: Pew Research Center; Cavan Images - Offset (boy & dog)

51% of U.S. pet owners say their pet is as much a part of their family as their human relatives.

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1. Why does the author share the story of Sophie and her dog Chip at the beginning of the article?

2. What are some things a robot pet with artificial intelligence can do?

3. Based on the article, describe a person for whom a robot pet might be better than a real pet.

1. Why does the author share the story of Sophie and her dog Chip at the beginning of the article?

2. What are some things a robot pet with artificial intelligence can do?

3. Based on the article, describe a person for whom a robot pet might be better than a real pet.

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