[Tyler]

Robots Retire Service Dogs
     

Professionally trained dogs can provide a much needed service to physically
impaired humans but their numbers are limited, training is expensive,
and lifetimes are only about 5-7 years.
Professor Charlie Kemp and students at Georgia Tech's Department of
Biomedical Engineering presented
findings
recently at BioRob 2008 (AZ)
discussing a robotic canine replacement.  Verbal response to 10
task requests including opening doors and delivering objects are well within
reach of current technology and becoming increasingly cost-effective.
While no replacement for a furry, breathing companion, robots could provide
much-needed services to those on the lengthy waiting list.
   

http://robots.net/article/2711.html