How AI helped me bring back my deceased cat, keeping me company for the holidays

A man who was left heartbroken over the death of his pet cat has resurrected the feline using AI.

Robin Wealleans was devastated when his beloved feline Lentil passed away at the age of 15.

Feeling reluctant to part ways with his beloved feline Lentil, a 47-year-old individual made the decision to revive him in a unique way – through the creation of an AI replica, whimsically dubbed Catgpt.

Robin explained that he was particularly keen to recreate Lentil so that he didn’t have to spend the lonely holiday period alone.

‘The best bit I guess is that while bringing Lentil back to life, I’ve also rebooted my own Christmas,’ he said.

This innovative approach has proved to be a source of comfort for Robin, helping him navigate through the grieving process. Additionally, Catgpt offers certain advantages over a living pet, such as the ability to accompany Robin on travels to various destinations.

‘[It can also] answer back with feline cat-titude,’ he shared.

‘Digital companions are going to be a huge global industry – the right human isn’t always there when we need them.’

A man who was left heartbroken from the death of his pet cat has resurrected the feline through AI

Robin Wealleans was devastated when his cat Lentil passed away at the age of 15, so he brought the cat back using AI 

The 47-year-old decided to bring Lentil ‘back to life’ by building an AI replica of him – and hilariously naming it Catgpt

Robin said he believes that his AI cat-bot provides him with ‘a non-judgemental ear from time to time.’ 

‘When programmed thoughtfully, AI friends and pets can definitely come into our very real lives,’ he insisted.

Robin’s relationship with Lentil 2.0 has been so successful that he’s even launched a comedy tour with the robot feline. 

Currently, Robin and Catgpt are embarking on a tour across the UK titled Nightmare before Catmas. They also have exciting international performances lined up in countries like Japan, New Zealand, and Australia set for the year 2025.

Lentil can fully communicate using his AI brain, with the cat-bot saying, ‘Being an AI companion is my second life perfected.’

He added, ‘It’s like I’m still the same Lentil but with less fur and more sass on demand.’

While Robin built his own robotic AI program, there are plenty of apps on the market today that offer users a similar experience.  

Veronica Lin, head of brand and strategy for the social AI app PalUp, said that PalUp fills a need for people who want to explore new friendships.

Lentil can fully communicate using his AI brain, with the cat-bot saying, ‘Being an AI companion is my second life perfected’

Robin’s relationship with Lentil 2.0 has been so successful that he’s even launched a comedy tour with the robot feline

It can also be used as a solution for those who struggle with social interaction in real life or – as in Robin’s case – are trying to cope with the loss of a beloved pet. 

She said: ‘Everyday moments, like sharing your thoughts with a close friend or finding support when you need it, are what make friendships meaningful. 

‘That’s exactly what PalUp is about. Our pals offer authentic, empathetic interactions, where AI companions remember your preferences, celebrate your wins and provide support during tough times.’

In the UK, pensioners will be given robot pets to keep them company in a $1.2 million government project to help tackle loneliness, stress, and anxiety in the elderly. 

Funding will also be used to develop AI facial scanners to recognize when someone is in pain.

Studies have shown that robotic pets controled by artificial intelligence can alleviate loneliness in older adults, according to Ageless Innovation.

In one study, scientists gave robot cats and dogs to 20 participants who said that they were lonely.

The robots had sensors that enabled them to make noises recorded from real animals – such as purring for cats – when stroked.

The volunteers were psychologically assessed at the start of the experiment, after 30 days and, finally, after 60 days.

Those who spent most time tending to their robot reported the highest levels of wellbeing.

In another study, those who kept robot pets found that their loneliness decreased, while their wellbeing, resilience, and purpose in life improved.