Children's behavior toward and understanding of robotic and living dogs

This study investigated children's reasoning about and behavioral interactions with a computationally sophisticated robotic dog (Sony's AIBO) compared to a live dog (an Australian Shepherd). Seventy-two children from three age groups (7–9 years, 10–12 years, and 13–15 years) participated in this study. Results showed that more children conceptualized the live dog, as compared to AIBO, as having physical essences, mental states, sociality, and moral standing. Children also spent more time touching and within arms distance of the live dog, as compared to AIBO. However, a surprising majority of children conceptualized and interacted with AIBO in ways that were like a live dog. For example, over 60% of the children affirmed that AIBO had mental states, sociality, and moral standing; and children were as likely to give AIBO commands as a living dog. Discussion broaches whether it is possible that a new technological genre is emerging that challenges traditional ontological categories.