Companionship Types
Podcasts weren't enough to fill your companion fix? Still curious about these systems? Welcome to the Companion Type page where we break down the different types of companionship systems to make understanding them just that little bit easier. Scroll down to see more!
Avatar Pet
Avatar pets are perhaps one of the earliest versions of digital companionship systems. They mostly came to prominence thanks to Bandai's Tamagotchi which released in 1996.
These 2-D devices often made with a home hardware, complete with a screen and buttons. Today, however, people can now interact with avatar devices using various stylists and voice recognition features.
Other forms of these avatar devices have included: Nintendogs on the Nintendo DS, Neopets, the Petz series and Dogz.
Robotic Pets
Unlike avatar based systems, robot pets are 3-D companions that utilize strong hardware components and are physically interactive.
Some of these types may include the Furby (1998), Fur Real Friends and most recently, Sony's robot dog AIBO .
These machines are often embedded with AI systems and sensors that allow them to respond and react to the users.
Therapy Robots
Moving on from entertainment, therapy robots are any kinds of robots that are used in the healthcare industry to help alleviate loneliness and to provide assistance.
They've proven to improve social ties among users, and also to slow down the progression of dementia. Additionally, few systems can even provide physical aid by helping with mobility, and even lifting patients.
Some examples may include: Paro, Mamoru, Robear and Geijoy.
VR and AR Pets
Perhaps one of the most modern forms of digital companions, these pets utilise virtual reality headsets and smartphone devices that allow individuals to interact with their avatars.
VR systems allow users to immerse themselves in the environment their avatar is in and allows them to experience a multisensory experience with their virtual companion. Examples of these systems include: RoVR, Konrad the Kitten and more suggestively, VRKanojo.
Likewise, AR technology works to a similar practice, by allowing users to use their smartphones and project their virtual companion to their own environment. One example includes AR Dragon on iPhone and Android.