Each year robots get more lifelike, and some companies like Sony make high-tech robot dogs. Other companies like Groove X, from Japan, make an "emotional" robot with 50 sensors around its body.

The LOVOT is programmed to learn faces, family members and to react to its surroundings. It is supposed to develop its own personality over time. It also has a security patrol mode and will electronically bark at you via its app when it sees a new person.

Another "emotional" robot is the Qoobo, a therapeutic cushion that has a robotic tail. Its inventors say the tail has more than 40 different movements, mimicking a real pet's tail.

The Qoobo will react differently depending on how you 'pet' it, giving a sense of calm and serenity.