Now that we’ve learned some important coding concepts, it is time to ask the big question: Why did you make this monster? Now is a good time to do some research to decide what we want our Monster to become.

Just a toy?

Even if your digital pet is just a toy, what features should it have? Is it like a tamgotchi pet that requires care and feeding?

Is it like a Pokemon that interacts with other robots?

Social robot for helping/therapy

Maybe it can become a therapy robot

Therapy robots are used to help reduce stress, increase cognitive function, train youth and future pet owners in animal care. For example, in Benchmark Senior Living at Plymouth Crossings, Massachusetts, electronic pets are used to help brighten the mood of elderly residents, while also stimulating cognitive function. The PARO robot even has FDA approval for use in dementia.

Recently, AFLAC launched a robot to accompany children undergoing Cancer treatment. According to their web site: “My Special Aflac Duck is an innovative social robot that helps comfort and entertain childhood cancer patients. It blends the best of the toy industry, robotics, apps & gaming, and medical technology.”

Others have used robotic babies to create interactive training for new parents who need help in childcare, Engaged Couples Raise Robot Babies

Therapy robots also provide an opportunity to explore AI and how humans interact with robots. Good resources for this include research by MIT Researcher Kate Darling and Santa Clara University Professor and AI Ethicist Shannon Vallor

Do some research to decide where you want to take your robot next.

Its yours

There is not right or wrong answer but doing some research helps you decide what you want it to become. It might help you decide what you need to learn next:

• Robotics to make it move better

• More coding to make it smarter?

• Design and digital design to make it friendly?