Rise of the robot DOGS: Experts say real pets will become luxiry item

Cats and dogs could soon be replaced with robots, one leading expert has claimed. It is believed that the global growth in population will lead to real animals being only for the super-rich. A Melbourne professor warns the global growth in population will lead to real animals being only for the super-rich. Paro, a robotic baby seal, is being used in the USA as therapy for medical patients. Virtual worlds, where people can own animals, have been very successful - HappyFarm had 23 million users every day at its peak.