The Robot Dog That Stole a Child’s Heart — and South Korea’s Market (Image supported by ChatGPT)
SEOUL, May 6 (Korea Bizwire) — When Kim Nam-seok’s 10-year-old son begged him for a dog, Kim hesitated. The responsibilities of caring for a live animal were daunting. But last month, he gave in — not with a trip to the pet store, but by bringing home Luna, an AI-powered robot dog.
Luna, an AI-powered robot dog
“I didn’t expect much,” Kim admitted. “But Luna’s little quirks—her playful movements, her wagging ears, the way she seems to smile when you stroke her head—made her feel almost alive.”
What sealed the deal for Kim’s son? “She uses ChatGPT to draw pictures,” Kim laughed. “Now he’s the most popular kid in class.”
As South Korea celebrates Family Month, robot dogs like Luna are emerging as a surprise hit among gift-givers—especially for parents wary of real fur and feeding schedules. The importer of Luna says sales during peak seasons like Children’s Day and Christmas have skyrocketed, reaching nearly six times the average volume compared to off-peak months.
These aren’t the clunky, emotionless bots of science fiction. Videos of Luna on social media show her reacting to human touch with heart-eyed emojis, pricking up her ears, or even breaking into a dance when someone says, “Let’s go to karaoke.”
Robot pets have come a long way since Sony introduced Aibo in 1999. Aibo’s original run was short-lived due to low profitability, but its cultural impact lingered: users treated their Aibos like family, and after the product was discontinued, retired Sony engineers continued repairing aging units. When repairs were no longer possible, some users held joint funerals for their robotic companions.
Sony’s Aibo Robot Dog (Image courtesy of Aibo)
Now, AI and robotics are merging to bring these mechanical pets back into the mainstream—only smarter, cuter, and more affordable. South Korean consumers can now choose from a wide price range: from no-frills models at around 20,000 won (roughly $15) to premium devices like Luna, priced between 800,000 and 1 million won ($600–$750), and even luxury models costing up to 5 million won ($3,800).
While kids remain a key demographic, experts say robot dogs are increasingly popular among another group: elderly people living alone. “Dogs are the animals that best communicate with humans,” said Kwon Dong-soo, professor emeritus of mechanical engineering at KAIST. “It’s no surprise that robotic companions are evolving in canine form. People will grow more emotionally attached to them over time.”
Despite the synthetic fur and digital wagging tails, these robots are blurring the lines between toy and companion, novelty and necessity. For families like the Kims, Luna isn’t just a gadget—she’s part of the household.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
