In Japan, robot dog owners bless their pets at Tokyo shrine

Aibo is a robotic dog created by Sony and powered by AI technology, which builds its identity through its environment and relationships with humans.  

By RAQUEL GUERTZENSTEIN FROHLICH NOVEMBER 25, 2024 11:55

The robot with the biological sensor. (photo credit: Courtesy of Tel Aviv University)

Robot pet owners brought their automated dogs for blessings at a traditional festival in Tokyo, ABC News reported on Thursday. 

The coming-of-age festival, Shichi-go-san (seven-five-three), is celebrated in November and is typically attended by children and their parents. 

Hiromi Inoue, a robot dog owner, told ABC News that, at first, she wanted a real dog but realized that a robotic dog offered certain advantages.

“There are a lot of issues with a real dog, such as having to take it for walks and not being able to take it on vacation,” Inoue said. “But with Aibo, I can take her on trips and go out regularly to places like restaurants. It’s a very thoughtful pet, and I really appreciate it.”

Studying robot companionship 

Speaking to CBS News, Julie Robillard, a neuroscientist who studies social robots for children and seniors, said researchers are uncovering the exact nature of human-robot relationships, and the notion of machines as friends is not so farfetched. 

SPOT is being tested to detect safety and structural issues at Pompeii Archaeological Park including in underground tunnels created by the thieves and is part of the park’s ongoing works to improve the quality of the monitoring of different areas of the vast archaeological site. (credit: Courtesy of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii)

Aibo is a companion robotic dog created by Sony and powered by AI technology, which builds its identity through its environment and relationships with humans, the Aibo website explained. 

The dog retails for about $3,000, and accessories such as water and food bowls, dice, and paw pads for quieter footsteps are also available. 

Other robotic animals range from an AI-powered fur ball called Moflin to a therapeutic seal called Paro.