Man's New Best Friend: Why the AI Robot Dog Market Is Growing
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and robotics has led to the creation of devices that mimic the behavior of domestic pets, notably robotic dogs. These innovations offer a great opportunity for those who, for various reasons, cannot keep a real pet, to enhance their days with a four-legged AI companion.
We’ve previously discussed the success of AI companions designed for the elderly and the lonely. However, despite their benefits, these devices primarily fulfill utilitarian functions—such as monitoring daily schedules, tailoring music or movie selections to the owner’s preferences, or facilitating simple conversations.
Robotic dogs are designed for a much broader audience, as evidenced by the strong market demand. According to Credence Research, Inc., the global sales of AI mechanical dogs were valued at just over $1.2 billion in 2022. Moreover, projections indicate that the market could grow by an average of 18% annually, and by 2030, demand for domestic robot dogs could rise to nearly $4.6 billion.
What accounts for this trend?
The primary driver of this demand surge is the changing lifestyle of city dwellers. Urbanization, demanding work schedules, and limited residential space often complicate or outright prevent the keeping of traditional pets.
AI Robot Dogs: Remarkably Similar to Real Pets Source: tombot.com
Robots present a convenient option: they don’t require meticulous care, regular walks, or feeding, and can be left alone for extended periods. Additionally, they are perfect for people allergic to animal fur. For those seeking an authentic experience, manufacturers can customize their programming, for instance, by incorporating routines like mandatory training, feeding, or walks.
Robotic dogs are more than just cute companions. Just as real dogs do, robotic therapy dogs are increasingly utilized in medical facilities to offer assistance and emotional support to patients. Innovations include robotic guide dogs and helpers for individuals with disabilities, aiding them in locating items, opening doors, or navigating obstacles.
This broad array of capabilities—from entertainment and interaction to therapy and serving as companions—will likely evolve as our understanding of these devices changes.
It's entirely possible for a real emotional connection to form between an owner and a robotic dog. Many manufacturers, including Tombot, Inc., Sony Corporation, American Fleet, Bona, Cop Rose Robot, Dongguan Sun Smile Intelligent Technology, Ecovacs Robotics, and Hobot Technology, are continuously innovating. They create robots that not only look like real dogs but also mimic their behaviors. These robotic pets can respond to commands, express emotions, adapt to their owners' preferences, and show excitement when their owner comes home, becoming increasingly sophisticated with each iteration.
The human mind is not as powerful as we think. The mind knows, but it forgets. People will forget they are not real once there is an emotional connection. The robot’s behavior is artificial, but that isn’t the point. The point is the meaning that we project onto that behavior,explains Prof. Dr. Stefane Mostefa Kabene from Canadian University Dubai.
Interestingly, while one might think that the primary appeal of owning a robotic dog is its "immortality" — given that a real pet will eventually pass away — this isn't necessarily the case. Devices, too, become outdated or break over time. It has been observed that owners grieve the "deaths" of their robotic dogs just as deeply as they would those of biological pets.
While robots still cannot fully replace real pets — breaking the millennia-old bond between humans and dogs is not feasible — and the most realistic robotic dog models remain prohibitively expensive, costing thousands of dollars, this may change in the future.
