Technology has given us many advantages to make our lives easier. Microwave ovens, cell phones and personal computers are just a few innovations that a short while ago were only items in fiction. Now we have a new advancement in companions. Robot pets have become the latest rage. You get the fun and companionship of a pet with none of the worries of upkeep. Once only a product of imagination, robot pets have become popular throughout the world. Introduced in the early 1990’s, Teksta the robot dog, came on the market and sparked imaginations of toy producers and parent’s alike. From full size robot pets that sound and act like the real thing to the small iDog that can be hooked up to your iPod and react to music, robot dogs remain popular. Robot pets can look like the real thing or be futuristically designed. Who can forget the Furby by Tiger Electronics? This little pet robot didn’t move much but did emit chatter called “furbish”. Another robot pet that is still popular is the Tickle Me Elmo. This red fur ball tells jokes, plays games and keeps young children entertained. Although older children and parents may find Elmo extremely annoying and a bit creepy, it is still one of the best selling robot pets available. One of the most attractive features of a robot pet is the lack of care needed. A real pet needs food, exercise, water and love to thrive. A dog needs to be taken for walks and a cat needs a litter box that must be cleaned and changed for their personal needs. Real pets can become sick and require a trip to the vet and may need PetMeds. Robot pets only need new batteries and minimal care. These pets are ideal for anyone who lives in an area where it would be inconvenient to walk or care for a living pet. While robot pets may never take the place of a live breathing pet, they can be fun and a good choice if you’re not able to take care of a live pet.