The Revolution of Robotic Pets: Companions of the Future with Hearts of Silicon
Tefi, the Robotic Guide Dog Imagine a dog that can not only guide the blind, but can also detect vital signs and alert about emergencies. That is 'Tefi', a robot dog with AI designed by the Institute of Physical and Information Technologies (ITEFI) of the CSIC. This robot, still in the prototype phase, has caused a sensation at the Ecosystems2030 summit.
Moflin, the AI Hamster that Feels On the other hand, we have Moflin, a robotic pet in the form of a hamster that, thanks to its evolutionary artificial intelligence, can feel and respond to emotions, adapting to the treatment it receives from humans and other animals. This small synthetic being has been created by Japanese engineers with the aim of offering companionship and therapeutic benefits.
More than Just Toys These robotic pets are not mere toys. They are the result of years of research and development, seeking to offer an alternative for those who, for various reasons, cannot have a live pet. Additionally, its therapeutic potential is immense, especially for older people or those with conditions such as dementia.
The AI robotic pet market is booming, driven by growing demand for innovative alternatives for companionship and emotional support. Japan is a leader in this sector, with products such as the Aibo robot dog and Moflin, a robotic hamster that has gained recognition for its ability to express emotions and adapt to its environment.
In terms of potential profits, the AI robotics industry presents a lucrative opportunity. Profitability may vary depending on factors such as market demand, competition, product quality and pricing strategy. However, with growing demand and diversifying customer base, AI robotics stores can generate revenue through product sales, software licensing, maintenance and customization services.
Furthermore, canine robotics, such as the Xiaomi CyberDog 2, show the potential for these technologies to evolve and adapt, offering an improved user experience while maintaining a competitive price, which could open the market to a wider audience.
These advances not only promise economic benefits for manufacturers and distributors, but also offer therapeutic advantages, especially for older people or people with conditions such as dementia, which could further increase their value and demand in the market.
The main companies that are innovating in the field of robotic pets with artificial intelligence are:
Vanguard Industries: This Japanese company has designed Moflin, an AI pet that received the award for best robotic innovation at CES 2021. Moflin is a small robot covered in hair, with an appearance similar to that of a guinea pig or a small hamster , designed with evolving emotional capabilities.
Sony: With its famous Aibo robot dog, Sony has been a pioneer in the robotic pet market. Aibo is known for its ability to interact with humans and adapt to its environments, providing companionship, especially to older people.
AEye, AIBrain, AlphaSense, Amazon (with Alexa), Anki, Blue River Tech, Casetext, CognitiveScale, Clarifai, CloudMinds, DataRobot, DataVisor, Deepmind (from Google), Freenome, Graphcore: These are some of the companies highlighted in use of artificial intelligence, according to a report from the Human-Centered AI Institute at Stanford University. Although not all of them focus exclusively on robotic pets, their developments in AI are fundamental to the advancement of this technology.
Among the European startups that are putting technology at the service of pets and their owners are Barkibu (Spain), Dogo (Germany), Project Blu and THE PACK (United Kingdom), and Woof Together ( Greece).
The Social and Emotional Impact The arrival of robotic pets with AI could mark a before and after in how we interact with technology. These robots offer a new form of companionship, one that combines the warmth of a living being with the convenience and functionality of the latest technology.
Conclusion AI robotic pets are a window to an exciting and promising future. As they continue to develop, they could become an integral part of our lives, offering love, support and assistance to those who need it most.
