Youre Already Choosing AI Over Humans Pets Are Next [Video]

Imagine coming home from work, and instead of being met with an excited, slobbery kiss from your wide-eyed puppy, you’re greeted by an intently observant AI pet, a living, breathing plushie brought to life. “Hello, Jarrod. How was your day today?” Sounds a little… robotic, doesn’t it? Yet, in a world where everything is going digital—you can order food, try on clothing, find true love, and even have doctor’s visits online—it was really only a matter of time before technology replaced our lovable furry friends, too.

Cuddly AI-powered emotional robot pets like Jiabin He’s Ropet, which is made to feel soft, look adorable and have really big feelings, aren’t just a new form of the ’90s Tamagotchi or Furby phase, they’re actually meant to simulate the companionship of a real animal (or at least a fluffy baby seal) without all the fuss—allergies, shedding, the 3 a.m. bathroom breaks—you know, the inconvenient stuff that requires some work and …