The idea of having a robotic pet is fascinating and rather endearing - like many of us, I feel the appeal of having a companion that will never die quite desirable. I've grown up with silly little trinkets like the Tamagotchi devices; I had a Cozmo at one point; But I became jaded pretty quickly with the fact it felt like an extension of my cell phone. And I've seen various AIBO models out there. However, I've never really become "attached" to a tamagotchi; and I feel the same sentiment would be extended to an AIBO. My question to AIBO owners, new and old, as well as my fellow transhumanists that specialize in synthetic companionship, is what exactly would constitute forging a bond with one of them? Why is it we become attached to our organic animals - my cat for instance - but the feeling isn't shared with their synthetic counterparts? Is it because it isn't engaging enough? Or the fact that it can't die? Any transhumanist insight would be much appreciated.