Exploring the Ethics of AI Robot Dogs and Their Impact on Innovation
Once designed as toys, AI robot dogs now appear in hospitals, nursing homes, and police departments, raising questions about their role in society, the ethics of their use, and the responsibilities we bear toward the AI companions we create.
Robot dogs are made by companies ranging from toy brands to advanced robotics specialists. The most popular model is Sony’s Aibo: a small, consumer-friendly robot marketed as a pet. Aibo can develop a personality, recognize its name, understand voice commands, and even appear to want affection from its owner. It can play games, change its actions based on surroundings, and bond with people.
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Part of the appeal is that robot dogs are easier and cheaper to care for than real animals. They don’t shed, bark, require food, or even vet visits. In crowded areas or places where housing bans pets, people may turn to robots like Aibo instead of live animals.
Concerns About Real Animals
Robot dogs could take attention and resources away from real animals in need. In the U.S. alone, about 5.8 million pets enter shelters each year, and around 607,000 animals are euthanized. ,
When people put time, money, and emotional energy into robots, it does nothing for shelter dogs waiting for homes. Owning a living pet encourages empathy, compassion, and responsibility — qualities that a robot cannot teach. Some people worry that bonding in this way with robots might weaken the real connection between humans and animals.
The folks who own these robots often fully treat them as a member of their family. The older Aibo robots from the early 2000s were incredibly popular in Japan, and thousands of people were proud owners. When Sony discontinued this model in 2006, people struggled when their beloved pets needed repairs.
Notably, a Buddhist Temple in Japan held a funeral for hundreds of beloved robot dogs who had 'died'. People wrote notes with stories of their beloved robots, and they were blessed in a real religious ceremony.
The commitment to these animals goes to show the genuine connections people build with these machines. This could cause robot dogs to act as competition for real animals who are in need of homes. They are easier to manage, but every person who chooses a robot over a real animal could represent one less potential home for a shelter pet in need.
Use in Companionship
On the other hand, there are situations where robot dogs have proven to be helpful. People with severe allergies, disabilities, or housing restrictions may not be able to care for a live animal.
Studies suggest that robotic pets can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and provide support to people with dementia or autism. Companies like JoyForAll produce soft, affordable robotic cats and dogs geared towards older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia, offering many of the benefits of companionship without any added responsibility.
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Similarly, this technology can be used in children's hospitals, psychiatric care facilities, and in other medical establishments in order to help reduce stress in their patients.
These uses show that robot dogs can have significant value in certain contexts. Still, critics argue that there are better alternatives. Supporting therapy dog programs like the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, which place therapy dogs in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, not only helps people but also benefits the animals themselves.
Beyond the Home: The Digidog Controversy
Robot dogs aren’t just marketed as pets. Law enforcement agencies have also explored their use. A robot named “Digidog”, created by Boston Dynamics, was leased to the New York Police Department for a whopping $94,000. DigiDog was intended to enter dangerous situations, such as hostage scenarios. While it was designed to keep officers and civilians safe, it was up against significant public backlash.
Many people viewed the robot as a symbol of police militarization and surveillance, especially in underserved communities. After the criticism, the NYPD ended the lease early and returned the robot. People questioned and debated just how far AI robot technology should go in policing.
Robot dogs have also made appearances in the military. The U.S. Air Force has tested the Vision 60 robot dog, created by Ghost Robotics. These applications add another layer to the ethical debate, as robot dogs move beyond companionship and enter into law enforcement and defense.
AI robot dogs are a fascinating emerging technology. They can provide companionship in situations where owning a real dog isn’t possible and may have therapeutic benefits for certain groups of people. At the same time, they risk pulling attention away from the millions of shelter animals who need homes.
As these machines and the AI landscape continue to evolve, we as a society need to reckon with what role(s) we want them to play in our lives. Technology can certainly offer convenience and innovative solutions, but can it replace the genuine bond that comes with caring for an animal? Many of us are dubious...
