Hasbro is pulling at our heartstrings with a new line of toys aimed at senior citizens. The newest addition to the Joy for All line is a golden retriever puppy robot that is adorable, a little heart-wrenching, and to be completely honest, I want one. According to Gizmodo, the puppy robot will be available this fall, and we have to agree with their assessment: this dog is much easier to take care of than a real one and cheaper too.
Hasbro launched the line of robotic pets almost a year ago as a way to reach a new demographic and to bring a little joy into the lives of senior citizens. They had learned through consumer research that while their toys brought entertainment to the lives of the kids they were aimed for and their families, there was an untapped potential market in senior citizens who saw Hasbro products as a way to connect with their loved ones. Creating a toy specifically for older people that would bring them a little companionship and fun seemed like an opportunity the company couldn’t pass up. Their first cat companion robot hit the market in November and was a great success.
Because of feeding schedules, cleaning up after them, and routine veterinary care, pets can be really difficult for older people to take care of on a daily basis. Hasbro’s Companion Pets bring seniors all the benefits of having a pet without the mess. The cat and dog models have life-like fur coats, bark and purr in response to different interactions and petting practices, and have a gentle heartbeat in their chests that mimic real animals. According to the company’s website, these companion pet robots are bringing a little more love into the lives of their owners.
Right now, Hasbro has three cat models to choose from with slightly different appearances and their newly introduced golden retriever puppy robot. If you have an elderly relative or friend, this might be the perfect present for their holiday, and if you don’t, you might just want to grab one for yourself. The cats are available for $99 and the puppy is available for $119 on their website. If you do pick one up, please tell us what you think of the robot’s life-like qualities.
Images: Joy For All
