We had an adorable robot pet party

It’s a fact. Pets make us healthier.

But what about robot pets?

Hasbro has now come out with two robotic pet companions, a dog and a cat, designed to keep older adults company. Recode decided to spend some time with the latest animatronic animals, and we took questions from our readers on Facebook Live.

The idea isn’t new. Paro, the baby robotic seal that had a cameo in Aziz Ansari’s show “Master of None” made its public debut in 2001. And Sony had a robotic dog in 1999, Aibo, that reportedly sold 150,000 units in Japan by 2006.

Worldwide, the population of elderly adults is set to double by 2050, and all kinds of companies are developing robots to assist the growing demographic.

Toyota’s research lab, for example, has been working on robotics for home assistance, like a robot to fetch things for people who are bedridden, a wheelchair that can climb stairs and an exoskeleton for the lower leg. Honda’s robotics division created Asimo, a humanoid for helping people around the house.

Hasbro’s robo-pets aren’t as helpful as any of these, but they are pretty cute.

This article originally appeared on Recode.net.

Contributions are a key part of the future of Vox

Readers rely on Vox for clear, nuanced coverage that not only illuminates the issues, but poses solutions, too. And we rely on help from our readers: Advertising and grants cover the majority of our costs, but we count on contributions to help us close the gaps in our budget. In fact, we’re looking to reach 95,000 individual contributions before the end of the year. Will you make the next contribution right now? Our average gift is just $20 — and it goes a long way in helping us keep our work free. Vox is here to help everyone understand what’s shaping the world — not just the people who can afford to pay for a subscription. We believe that’s an important part of building a more equal society. Join that mission by making a contribution today.

One-Time Monthly Annual

$5/month

$10/month

$25/month

$50/month

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $5/month

Yes, I'll give $5/month

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via