The UK-based Society for the Study of Artificial Intelligence and the Simulation of Behaviour is holding a virtual pets symposium as part of its AISB 2008 convention on communication, interaction and social intelligence. This is actually the second year that the "Reign of Catz and Dogz" symposium is being held, after the first year's event at Newcastle's Culture Lab.

AISB explains:

"This second symposium, to run as part of AISB08 (mirror) at the University of Aberdeen in April 2008, will consider the future role that interactive artificial creatures will play in a society populated with pervasive computers, personal robots and ambient intelligence. In particular, in 2008, we wish to explore emerging use of artifacts like the Nabaztag as intelligent interfaces and agents for supporting social networks; the use of anthropomorphised devices and systems like T-J Bearytales and virtual pets as educational aids for children; as well as the differing cultural perspectives on all anthropomorphized artificial systems. The Reign of Catz & Dogs aims to gather key researchers from all disciplines interested in the fields of virtual creatures, personal embodied robotics and believable and affective agents to table and discuss their views on the relevant contemporary issues prevailing, and to crystallize the challenges facing us in the near future."

[Via Grand Text Auto]