If you've always wanted a pet but don't fancy the responsibilities of feeding, walking, or cleaning up after it, then an AI-powered robot companion might be just what you're looking for this Christmas. From fluffy creatures that develop their own personalities to robot dogs that can recognize your face and desktop companions that actually talk back, AI pets are getting smarter, cuter, and more lifelike all the time.
The best part is that there's something for almost every budget, whether you're looking for an affordable little robot to keep you company at your desk or a sophisticated AI pet that can learn from your interactions and develop a personality of its own.
I've rounded up 10 of the most interesting AI pets and companions I could find this Christmas, and while they might not replace the real thing, they're certainly a lot easier to house-train.
Let's get started!
Graham is the Senior Editor for AI at TechRadar. With over 25 years of experience in both online and print journalism, Graham has worked for various market-leading tech brands including Computeractive, PC Pro, iMore, MacFormat, Mac|Life, Maximum PC, and more. He specializes in reporting on everything to do with AI and has appeared on BBC TV shows like BBC One Breakfast and on Radio 4 commenting on the latest trends in tech. Graham has an honors degree in Computer Science and spends his spare time podcasting and blogging.