AI pets could replace dogs and cats, but expert warns that ‘long-term effects’ are unknown

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By Angelica Stabile, Fox News

August 9, 2023 | 11:28am

Artificial intelligence could soon start replacing household pets — no vet bills required.

As various types of robots continue to hit the market, AI-powered “animals” have arrived on the scene as well.

One example is Go1, the world’s first intelligent quadruped robot “companion” that is developed by China’s Unitree Robotics.

The robotic sidekick walks on all fours, much like a dog — but there’s no need for a collar or a leash.

Go1’s walking movements involve stability control, gait generation, motion control, navigation, and obstacle avoidance, as well as learning and adaptation through AI, Unitree Robotics said in an email to Fox News Digital.

Go1 can follow the speed of its owner — whether the owner is traveling on a bike, on a skateboard, or on foot — at up to 10 miles per hour, according to the company.

The robotic pet has a super-sensing system that includes several fisheye binocular sensors and human recognition capabilities.

These enable it to follow its owner’s lateral peripheral vision.

The company describes the robot’s power joint design as “ultra-lightweight and low noise.” 

Go1’s total weight is about 26 pounds — and it can hold loads of up to 11 pounds, the company also says.

Another robotic option

For people who prefer smaller “pets,” LivingAI in China has developed EMO, a tiny AI-powered desktop pet.

The nearly 5-inch-tall robot is described as a mobile, expressive pet that can react to its owner with more than 1,000 facial expressions and movements, according to the website.

Using AI tech, the robot explores its surroundings, makes decisions on its own, and interacts with its human.

Similar to a real pet, EMO evolves over time — in this case, through advanced internal sensors and AI processing models that give the little robot the ability to learn, communicate, and “bond,” according to the LivingAI website.

EMO also can be programmed to turn on lights, set alarm clocks, and celebrate special events such as birthdays and holidays, the company says.

Pros and cons

Dr. Harvey Castro, a Dallas, Texas-based board-certified emergency medicine physician, and national speaker on AI in health care, weighed the pros and cons of the emergence of AI pets in a conversation with Fox News Digital.

While robotic pets offer continuous companionship, low maintenance, elimination of allergy exposure, and even mental health support, AI “companionship” can also be limiting, Castro said.

“AI pets cannot replicate the complex and rich experience of caring for a real animal,” said Castro.

“Unlike real pets,” he added, “AI pets don’t encourage owners to engage in physical activity, like walking or playing.”

Castro also mentioned the potential risks related to data privacy and dependency on AI pets for companionship — which could lead to the neglect of real-life relationships, he said.

“The long-term psychological and emotional effects of having AI pets, especially on children, are yet to be fully understood,” Castro said.

The robotic pets “present a unique, beneficial alternative for companionship and can play a role in improving mental health,” he added.

“However, they should be seen as a partial replacement for real pets,” Castro said. 

“As AI technology advances, we must continuously evaluate the benefits and risks associated with AI pets.”