These seal-bots are designed for people who – for varying reasons – such as being bed-ridden, in the hospital, or infirm, cannot care for living pets. They are not designed to replace pets (or ‘nature’) for healthy, active people who can take care of pets or go outside. Have some empathy for people who are sick and bedridden and can benefit from something like this.

-Jill
Editor, Inhabitots

Yes, live animals require feeding and care because, suprise, they are living animals. To say an animitronic device can regularly inspire the same biophilic responses as a puppy yet again removes humanity from the natural world. I’m not suprised inhabitat applaud’s the devices claimed benefits, but come on, it’s another material/energy consuming product that steps away from a true relationship with nature.