Robot dog has an artificial woof that sounds like the real thing

ROBOTIC canine companions are getting an upgrade. Artificially generated barks that match a robot dog's physical characteristics can stop it falling into the uncanny valley. As tech improves, robot pets are set to become more popular. But they will need to sound the part. Most existing robo-dogs are programmed to play pre-recorded woofs or growls that rarely fit the robot's outward appearance, says Roger Moore at the University of Sheffield, UK.