Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, has affected approximately 280 million people worldwide. This data literally means that about 3.4% of the world's population has some stage of depression.
However, artificial intelligence is a resort through which depression can be tackled because after every regular interval, new highlights come in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
As a matter of fact, robotic pets are developed to combat loneliness in all age groups. Now, people can treat their disorder easily with these artificial creatures.
Undoubtedly, loneliness is increasing at a rapid speed and has become a pressing issue of today's time. In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy highlighted an "epidemic of loneliness and isolation," emphasizing its detrimental effects on health. To address this, initiatives like the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) have distributed over 31,000 animatronic pets to socially isolated older adults since 2018.
Furthermore, there are studies that revealed 70% of recipients reported a significant reduction in loneliness. This report further adds that 75% experienced decreased pain levels.
There are other studies which convey the powerful role of battery-operated pets in alleviating loneliness. In one of the research held by the University of Cambridge showed that weekly interactions with PARO, an interactive robotic seal, significantly improved loneliness scores among participants.
The rising demand for robotic pets is reflected in the market's robust growth. According to Technavio, the global robotic pet dogs market is projected to grow by $958.3 million at a CAGR of 16.6% between 2024 and 2029.
Similarly, Dataintelo reports that the global robotic pets market size will touch $3.85 billion by 2032 from $1.42 billion. The industry will grow at a CAGR of 11.5%.
The main contributor in this league is North America, which will have approximately 34% of the market share till 2035.
Undoubtedly, every firm is providing their number for this industry; however, the main fact is that every data is supporting each other and is in the positive state. This means that this industry will grow in the coming years.
Robots with "emotional capability" detected and responded to emotions in a human-like manner, explained robotics expert Dr Belinda Dunstan.
Dunstan, University of New South Wales Sydney Creative Robotics Lab lead, said the microprocessors in newer companion robots had increased their computational power.
"This allows it to run much more sophisticated algorithms, which enables learning and a lot more nuanced performance of emotional expression," she said.
"They can recognize emotional expressions using cameras and also listen to the tone of your voice and the content of what you're saying."
There is a debate that these robotic pets are posing dangers to human lives. The main concern is that they lack the natural touch which a pet or a human can provide, but not a machine in caregiving scenarios.
As per the article published in Psychology Today, the main topic is that reliance on robotic pets might lead to reduced human contact. If compared, robots are more affordable than humans.
However, the other group argue that robotic pets are a source of interaction, which humans fail to provide. They provide that level of comfort, where human presence is limited. So, these are the reasons for which people are favouring robotic animals in their homes.
Innovations will happen in the field of AI, and companies investing in these technological companies will always reap the benefits.
However, the main use of technology is to bring positivity and emotional responsiveness to common people.
Therefore, robotic pets are gaining popularity, which are products of AI technology. These artificial creatures will bring a ray of hope in those people who feel loneliness and they want a companion to look after them.
However, there are people who are against this version and they have their opinion. But in the end, we have to see if we are benefitting from that technology development or not.