# High-Tech Pet Virtual animals cater to those looking for companions through high-tech means. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 11, 2014, updated Mar 31, 2014 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/hightech-pet ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the High-Tech Pet trend? **High-Tech Pet:** With the busy day-to-day life of most adult consumers, making time to spend with others can be challenging. Seeking to acquire of love and affection without having to put in too much personal time, consumers are turning to virtual pets such as robotic dogs to fill the void of companionship. Digital pets combine the convenience of technology with the need to care for another, reflecting the need for more contemporary ways to engage in communal activities. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 17, 2012 to Feb 22, 2013 - Published: Mar 11, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the High-Tech Pet trend ### Virtual Pets Consumers are turning to virtual pets such as robotic dogs to fill the void of companionship. ### Digital Pet Applications Digital pet applications provide a sound solution to owning a pet and teach children about animal life stages. ### Robotics and Animal-Like Designs The use of robotics and animal-like designs in creating toys offer new opportunities to create emotional connections with users. ## What the High-Tech Pet trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry Virtual pets and animal-like robotic toys create new market opportunities for the toy industry. ### For Technology Industry Digital pet applications and game development create opportunities for the technology industry. ### For Education Industry Digital pet applications that teach children about animal life stages provide new opportunities for the education industry. ## Trend signals for High-Tech Pet Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 73%, activity 55%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 73% - Activity: 55% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the High-Tech Pet trend 6 featured examples from Jun 17, 2012 to Feb 22, 2013. - [Digital iPhone Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bandai-smartpet): The Bandai SmartPet Transforms a Smart Phone into a Loveable Companion (Category: Tech) Implication: The consumer electronics industry can leverage smartphone-companion integration to create innovative products that enhance user engagement and satisfaction. - [Downloadable Digital Animals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-pets): These Digital Pets are a Sound Solution to the Real Thing (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The trend suggests an opportunity for EdTech companies to tap into virtual learning platforms that can use interactive digital pets. - [Toy-Resurrecting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tamagotchi-iphone-app): The Tamagotchi iPhone App Lets You Relive Your Childhood (Category: Tech) Implication: Mobile app developers can capitalize on the trend of nostalgic virtual pet apps by developing similar mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. - [Furry Pet Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cuddlebot-by-anna-flagg): The Cuddlebot by Anna Flagg Creates an Emotional Connection with Users (Category: Tech) Implication: The development of robots like the Cuddlebot by Anna Flagg presents opportunities for companies in the robotics industry to create new, more advanced robotic companions, and robot… - [Carefree Robotic Pet Fish](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robofish): Enjoy Aquatic Critters without the Responsibility with Robo-Fish (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The development and production of robotic companion animals, like the Robo-Fish, can revolutionize the pet industry and cater to pet owners' evolving needs and preferences. - [Smartphone-Controlled Fake Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omnibot-i-sodog): The OMNIBOT i-SODOG Lets You Raise a Dog via Your iPhone (Category: Tech) Implication: The introduction of smartphone-controlled robotic pets offers disruptive innovation opportunities in the pet industry, revolutionizing the way people interact with and care for an… ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)