Fuzhou embraces robot dog companions
A man checks out a robot dog during the 8th Digital China Summit. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]
In Hongshan town, 72-year-old Mr Ding was watching TV when his robot dog trotted up to him, reminding him to take his medication – just another example of the growing "robot dog economy" in Fuzhou, capital of East China's Fujian province.
With the decreasing cost of consumer-grade robot dogs and the surge in online sales and rental services, these companions are becoming increasingly popular with Fuzhou residents.
For example, Ms Hu, an empty-nester, found comfort in her son's gift of a mechanical canine. This robotic companion not only walks, runs, jumps, climbs and dances but also engages in interactive voice chats, offering some emotional fulfillment with its unique personality.
According to a saleswoman at a Fuzhou robot dog store, these automatons utilize camera and radar technology to perceive their surroundings, enabling actions and voice interactions that mimic real-life pet companionship.
In addition to buying them, many customers opt to rent. Platforms like Goofish and 58.com feature numerous businesses and individuals offering robot dog rentals, with prices ranging from 140 yuan ($19.43) to 800 yuan per day based on the model.
This increased demand has spawned lucrative business ventures, such as a startup formed by recent graduates who collectively bought and rented out six robotic dogs, catering to short-term users at affordable rates.
The rising popularity of robot dog sales and rentals is said to stem from the emotional companionship they provide, particularly in an aging and increasingly single population demographic.
For elderly customers, robot dogs offer emotional support, while for younger individuals, they serve as trendy and easily manageable companions. This dual appeal continues to drive consumer interest in the canine automatons.