A study by Saint Louis University found that a lovable pooch named Sparky and a robotic dog, AIBO, were about equally effective at relieving the loneliness of nursing home residents and fostering attachments. This study builds on previous findings by the researchers that frequent dog visits decreased loneliness of nursing home residents. A creator of a home-assistance robot remarked that if humans can feel an emotional bond with robots, even fairly simple ones, some day they could "not just be our assistants, but also our companions".
Granted, it took residents a little longer to warm up to the robot companion. Over time though, the residents grew more comfortable with the robot - they petted and talked to him and the robot responded by wagging his tail, vocalizing and blinking his lights. The robot is "charismatic if you start to interact with him".
At least there is no poop and scoop required......
2 comments:
I always wanted an AIBO, or, any robot for that matter. Too bad Sony discontinued the lovable canine automaton.
I was once married to an automaton....
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