This is Pleo. He is a baby Camarasaurus who was introduced to the world in 2006 by a company called Ugobe. Pleo’s manufacturers call him the ideal family pet and consistently refer to him as a life form, not a robot, which raises an interesting discussion — can a robot be considered a pet?
Before we start debating this issue, it’s important to know a little more about this particular dino-pup. When he is activated (or ‘newly hatched’) Pleo is quite autonomous, but as he ‘grows’ he learns to mimic life and relates to his owner’s lifestyle. He interacts with his environment in a sensory capacity through sight, sound and touch, and apparently develops a personality that is entirely unique from other Pleos. Sensitive senors in his nose, neck, back and legs allow him to respond when touched and cuddled or cry out if you do something he doesn’t like. For example, if you pull his tail or play too roughly he will begin to screech and cry. The present version of Pleo will explore on his own and learn new things through this exploration, as well as interact and communicate with others of its own kind. All in all he is extremely cute and it is easy to see why so many people fall in love with this little guy, but is Pleo a pet?
The definition of the word pet is “any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately.” Present Pleo owners attest that they love their little green friend and much like a dog or cat, Pleo demands their time, attention and affection, but some critics say Pleo is just a glorified toy. However, let’s not forget the late 90s Tamagotchi trend that saw Japanese designed ‘pocket pets’ capture the hearts of thousands of people. I myself knew several individuals who became obsessed with their pocket pet, took it everywhere with them and shed many a heartfelt tear when it finally moved on or accidentally reset. Who can say that they didn’t love that ‘pet?’
Of course there are some extreme differences between cats and dogs and Pleo. For one, Pleo has an ‘on/off’ switch — something you cannot do with a real pet. You can also download new emotions for Pleo to experience and add to his personality’s repertoire, again something that doesn’t happen with a dog (although I suppose one could argue that new behaviours are taught to dogs all the time).
The creation of Pleo and the pursuit of future more advanced and sophisticated Pleos makes one wonder about the future of pet care. Will a new ‘breed’ of robotic companion soon be in our midst? Will there be judgement surrounding its existence or those who choose to love it? Will people be encouraged to embrace and care for these artificial lifeforms or will they become a scapegoat of sorts for neglect?
Is a robotic pet a good idea for somebody who may not have the time or commitment for a flesh and blood pet or is unsure whether they can care for a cat or dog? Will a robotic pet inadvertently replace its traditional cousins in the name of convenience or will different ‘species’ live side by side? How will robotic creatures be defined compared to dogs or other pets? Will there be different standards for robotic ‘lifeforms?’ One can’t help but think yes — after all, different parts of the world already hold hold different animals to different standards, even here in North America where dogs are treasured but pigs (for example), for the most part, are not. How will pet perceptions change if robots come into our households?
There are no simple or right or wrong answers surrounding the matter of robotic pets. After all, these computerized critters are still very new and yet to be incorporated into everyday life…if that even happens. However, it does make for interesting conversation and debate. What are your thoughts about this topic? Share them with us here! No judgement please, it’s just an interesting debate for a rainy Thursday morning, so let’s keep things cordial.
