Real vs. robotic therapy dogs pros and cons

This study is inspired by Eszter Loványi’s 2022 publication (Can an Assistance Dog Supported by Technology Defeat the Robot?), which explores the dilemma between choosing assistance dogs or robots in therapeutic contexts. The issue has also been previously addressed in Isaac Asimov’s science fiction story (A Boy’s Best Friend). Given the increasing role of artificial intelligence in daily life and its potential application in special education, this paper aims not to resolve the debate but to present a balanced comparison of the benefits and limitations associated with both real and robotic therapy dogs.