Many experts argue that in the next 10-15 years we will see a real boom in the electronic animal market. After all, they do not cause allergies, do not show aggression, do not get sick and do not require increased attention. But at the same time, they can be even more useful than their living prototypes both in everyday life and when performing scientific, industrial or military tasks.
Play with me master
Of course, the most popular animal robots are toys. Interactive electronic dogs, cats, and other creatures can do just about anything that their living counterparts can. For example, the robot dog Zoomer performs voice commands, jumps, plays and even imitates the desire to go to the toilet - but only if the owner went out with her for a walk. Moreover, in order to walk such a dog, it is not at all necessary to get up early. Ask any dog owner what they find most burdensome about keeping it. And many will answer: get out of bed on the morning of the day off to walk your four-legged friend.
Electronic puppy Teksta recognizes the owner and wags its tail when it sees it. He falls asleep and wakes up on his own if you call him. And thanks to special programs using a tablet or mobile phone, you can teach your toy dog new communication skills.
Cats, of course, also did not stand aside. Developed in Japan, the Sega electronic cat behaves just like a living one: it purrs, reacts to words and strokes, and if not played with it, goes to bed. The cost of such toys is by no means prohibitive; in online stores they can be purchased at a price of 4 to 35 thousand rubles. Despite the fact that real thoroughbred animals will cost much more.
Not only for children …
Contrary to popular belief, electronic animals aren't just for kids. For example, the British firm Rarewoort made an electronic horse for riding training. This is an excellent trainer for beginner riders: the device can be programmed to make the horse whimsical to varying degrees.
The Japanese company Sedensha pioneered the production of electronic aquarium fish. They have power supplies and micromotors for eye, tail and fin movements. They imitate rare breeds of real aquarium fish - mainly those that glow. Thus, aquariums look very beautiful in the evening and at night.
Electronic seal will save you from depression
And experts from the Japanese Research Institute for Intelligent Systems went even further and developed a robot in the form of a baby harp seal. In 2003, he even won a prize at the prestigious Chicago computer exhibition.
The device is intended for patients in hospitals and nursing homes where, according to the rules, it is forbidden to keep real animals. The toy was created to calm patients and evoke positive emotions in them. The kid fondles the sick and the elderly, wags his tail, rubs his head, reacts to stroking, thereby saving people from depression.
Apart from entertaining and therapeutic tasks, animal robots have other missions as well. For example, the Roooquad electronic spider does a good job of being a guard. He fixes any violations of the border of the territory where he lives, and in case of alarm gives sound and light signals. Therefore, there is every reason to believe that in the future, electronic animals will get along well with their familiar four-legged friends.
