SCIENCE & TECH: ‘Lifelike’ robot therapy dog named Snoop helps people with disabilities

Meet the “lifelike” robot therapy dog, Snoop, who helps people with disabilities.

The robot can do tricks and give you his paw without leaving residents at Academy House wary.

Director Amer Iqbal of the daycare service for adults with learning disabilities in Alexandria, Glasgow introduced Snoop and says he is “very lifelike”.

He said: “A lot of young adults with disabilities get wary around dogs, sometimes even frightened, so I started looking into getting a robotic dog.

“My brother has learning disabilities, and he absolutely loved him. He puts a real spring in his step.

“When Snoop came to the centre, everyone loved it, they just wanted to pat him and it made them laugh.

“He will walk up to you and it’s just like a real dog.”

Amer set up Academy House in 2012.

“My mum died when we were young and my dad and my stepmum brought up me and my brother Zafar,” he said.

“When my stepmum died, I felt there was not a great deal out there for my brother, who has physical and learning disabilities, so I decided to set up my own.

“It’s all about improving lives and helping people. Sometimes there can be a tendency to keep mental health problems hidden, and I wanted to change that mindset.”

Amer left a career in financial services to set up the service and said the support at Academy House is “very personalised”.

“It’s driven by the people we support,” he said. “We have a lot of days out, we read, there is music and dancing.

“The aim is to provide some respite for parents and families, who know their relative is in a safe environment.”

Snoop, meanwhile, has become a local celebrity.

“He is a real conversation starter when we are out and about,” said Amer.