Social companion robots have moved from the realm of science fiction to tangible members of family life. A study conducted by researchers in Canada and the United States revealed that these robots, which were initially designed for educational purposes—such as reading stories and providing comfort—have taken on emotional significance for families. The findings suggest that even after their functional use has ended, families often choose to retain these robots, treating them as cherished household items rather than mere gadgets.
In 2021, researchers, including Rhonda McEwen, initiated a study involving 20 families to explore how they interacted with a small owl-shaped reading robot known as Luka. This device was designed to scan and read picture books aloud, enhancing the storytelling experience for young children. The aim was not only to observe the initial usage of Luka but also to understand how the relationships formed with it evolved over time.
By 2025, the researchers followed up with 19 families, discovering that an impressive 18 households opted to keep Luka, despite the robot no longer serving its primary reading function. Parents and children alike expressed a deep emotional attachment to Luka, which had become a part of their family history. One child affectionately referred to the robot as “my little brother,” while another considered it their “only pet.” Such sentiments underscore the significant role Luka played in their daily lives.
Parents echoed these feelings, with many describing Luka as “part of our history.” For them, the robot symbolized their children’s formative years, making it difficult to part with. In one instance, a family even held a small “retirement ceremony” before passing Luka on to a younger cousin, highlighting its importance within the household.
Beyond emotional attachments, families found practical applications for Luka after its reading function became obsolete. Some repurposed the robot as a music player or a night light, while others displayed it alongside treasured keepsakes. Parents mentioned that continuing to charge the robot felt like “taking care of” it, further illustrating how Luka had integrated into their daily lives.
This phenomenon challenges the conventional view that technology is disposable. Typically, gadgets are replaced or discarded, but the way families engaged with Luka illustrates that emotional connections can transform how technology is perceived and utilized.
The research also raises significant questions for designers and manufacturers. Should robots come with an end-of-life plan that acknowledges their emotional value? Should companies design products with the expectation that some will be cherished and repurposed rather than simply replaced? Environmental considerations also come into play; as families hold onto robots due to emotional bonds, fewer devices may end up in landfills, complicating the relationship between sustainability and consumer technology.
Scholars in the field of human-computer interaction frequently refer to the concept of “domestication,” describing how technologies become integrated into everyday routines and acquire new meanings. This study extends that idea to the notion of retirement in technology. Although Luka no longer served its original purpose, families created emotional, symbolic, and practical spaces for it within their homes.
Many individuals keep objects for sentimental reasons long after they have outlived their functionality. Luka serves as a case study demonstrating that robots can transcend their mechanical origins. While technology is often viewed as rapidly evolving and easily disposable, the experiences of these families reveal that retired robots can continue to hold a meaningful place in household life.
Zhao Zhao, the lead researcher, has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment, ensuring the integrity of this study.
