Toy maker designs robotic cat to keep lonely elderly people company
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After delighting youngsters with Furbies and My Little Ponies, Toy maker Hasbro has turned its attention to an older demographic.
Revealing a new line of toys called Joy For All, the company has created ultra-realistic robot pets designed to give the elderly the gift of joy and companionship, without the responsibility of a pet.
The first to be released from the line is a robotic cat that’s programmed to respond when it’s petted and stroked by its owner, just like a real cat.
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The toy, which costs $99 to buy, contains a combination of sensors that translate its owners gestures as a cue for the robot to meow and purr, or turn over. Luckily, Hasbro did not include a ‘hiss’ or ‘scratch’ response.
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The cat – which comes in three colours, orange tabby, silver, and creamy white – was chosen as the first product after pilot tests revealed that people were most engaged by familiar-looking robots.
The toy comes after it was revealed by Age UK that over 1 million elderly people haven’t spoken to friend, neighbour or family member in over a month.
And while the toy was designed with the elderly in mind, the age bracket on the box reads 5-105.
So whether you know someone who fancies owning a cat, or you simply shed a tear over the John Lewis ad, this might be a wise addition to your Christmas shopping list this year.
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