After the release of Blade Runner, a movie many people have regarded the best science fiction movie ever made, many questions have been raised by scholars on topics such as whether a machine could really establish a relationship with a human and whether a robot could take the place of an organically authentic creature.

Now, through the work of some very canny software and in the proper circumstances, it could be possible. One kind of pet would be organic pets such as dogs that could be trained and even possess the ability to maintain a close relationship with their owner. The other type would be a robotic pet, which could be programmed to "learn" specific behaviors and simulate a sense of affection.

Features and advantages of Robo-Pets include:

• Could play back your favorite songs
• Gives reminders of your appointments
• Programmed to bark when visitors come to the front door
• If you go on vacation, you don’t have to worry about who will watch your pet
• If you decide you don’t want it anymore, you don’t have to take it to the pound

One of the places researchers say might benefit from robo-pets would be nursing homes, where pets aren’t allowed under any circumstances. A study analyzed the impact of keeping a pet at an old age home. The participants of the study were reported to exhibit less depression, anxiety, anger, fatigue and confusion compared to the other residents living at the home.

The downside to the study was that some residents found it hard to keep focused on their responsibilities.

Some experts explained that there might be psychological repercussions between the electronic pets and people and this issue needed to be studied in further detail. They gave the example of how kids became devastated when their Furby dolls began to malfunction.

Here are some examples of robo-pets.

Japan launched a Five-Year Project Called "Robobear"

• Robot bears were given to senior citizens who lived alone

• The bears were programmed to recognize certain short phrases and had the ability to respond with standard responses when seniors talked to them

• The bears had the capabilities of singing songs and making simple body movements

• They were programmed to be extra sensitive to certain health-condition-related statements such as "I am sick" or "I am tired," which would automatically send a signal to the call center and then allow the seniors to speak to the center directly through the bear

Tama, The Robot Cat

• Recognized its name and responded by turning its head and blinking

• Manufactured as a conversation companion to the elderly

• Built-in pressure sensors in the fur act similar to a real cat’s nervous system by triggering various reactions to forms of physical stimulation. Examples of this included the cat purring when it was petted and making an angry hiss when it was hit.

• The cat is programmed to be able to speak 50 phrases ranging from the light-hearted to the practical.

Popular Mechanics May 12, 2004