Smart Robot Pet

Here is what I look for from a robot pet:  allergen-free adorableness, no need for litter box changes or "walkies" and, above all else, complete and utter obedience. (Sure, lasers that shoot out of their eyes to smite mine enemies would be cool too, but a gal can't be too greedy).  Here is what I don't look for in an robotic pet: autonomy.  What's the point of a robot pet that does what it wants?

Ugobe's Pleo is a robotic, dinosaur "life form" which interacts with, responds to and learns from its environment. If the copy on the Ugobe website is to be believed, Pleo has feelings.  It makes decisions.  It can recognise other Pleo's and pass along Pleo germs.  It even dreams.  Sure, it's adorable, and synthesising genuine personalities is a phenomenal scientific achievement...but I'm pretty sure I've read this book before.  Self-aware, man-made life forms  intermingling with mankind always ends in tears. Robotic overlord induced tears. (Which doesn't mean, of course, that I wouldn't love to get my hands on one.  After all, it is robot dinosaur that develops an individual personality.  Come on.  How cool is that?)- [Star C. Foster]

Pleo (via Big Blog Robotics)

Related:
Robot Yorkshire Terrier
Robopet

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