DogPhone: Pets Call Owners Anytime


What can you do when your pet misses you? Animal technology experts from the UK and Finland have invented a new device called DogPhone, which allows pets to call their owners.

Innovative Pet Communication

Developed by Dr. Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas from the University of Glasgow, with the help of her Labrador, Zack, and colleagues from Aalto University in Finland, DogPhone aims to alleviate the loneliness of pets.

DogPhone is a ball fitted with an accelerometer. When the pet shakes the ball, the accelerometer triggers a video call to the owner's laptop, allowing pets to see and interact with their owners even when they are not at home.

Understanding Pet Behavior

Dr. Hirskyj-Douglas explains, "Of course, we can't be sure if Zack understands the causal relationship between shaking the ball and making a call, or if some interactions are accidental." However, she notes that Zack shows interest in what he sees on the screen and behaves similarly to when they are together.

Addressing Separation Anxiety

Many pets became accustomed to constant companionship during lockdowns. As people return to their normal routines, pets may experience separation anxiety. The DogPhone team hopes this device can help ease the anxiety of pets left alone at home.

Future of Pet Technology

Dr. Hirskyj-Douglas, an expert in animal-computer interaction, emphasizes the importance of creating technology that benefits pets as living beings with their own thoughts and feelings. She aims to turn pets from passive users of technology into active participants, allowing them to make decisions about when and how to interact with their owners.

DogPhone is part of a growing trend in smart toys for pets, expected to become a $20 billion industry by 2025.

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