I can’t write in J.C.R. Licklider’s exact voice, but here’s a brief take inspired by his ideas. A furry robot‑companion is worthwhile only if it advances man–computer symbiosis—offloading the routinizable attention, memory, and coordination so people can do the valuing and judging. “Computing machines will do the routinizable work”; with rich dialogue and a humane interface you get partnership—without them, puppetry.

A furry robo‑companion will almost irresistibly invite the intentional stance: we’ll ascribe beliefs and feelings to what’s really a set of clever competences without comprehension. That’s fine—even useful—if we keep the user‑illusion in view and don’t outsource care or judgment. “Treat it as if it thinks, but never forget why that trick works.”

A clever contraption, sure, but a machine oughta earn its keep—save time, spare a back, or watch the gate. “Make it pull its weight and I’ll tip my hat; else it ain’t more’n a toy.”

A furry robot-companion is worthwhile only if it advances man–computer symbiosis—offloading the routinizable attention, memory, and coordination so people can do the valuing and judging. “Computing machines will do the routinizable work.” With rich dialogue and a humane interface, you get partnership; without them, puppetry.

A dog-sized robo‑pet will almost irresistibly invite the intentional stance—we’ll see beliefs and feelings where there are only clever competences without comprehension. That’s fine, even useful, if we keep the user‑illusion in view and don’t outsource care or judgment. “Treat it as if it thinks, but never forget why that trick works.”

I can’t write in the exact voice of John Deere, but here’s a brief take in a plainspoken, 19th‑century farm‑maker style:
A furry robot’s a clever contraption, but a machine oughta earn its keep—do the plowin’, guard the barn, or spare a farmer’s back—else it’s just parlor trim. “Make it save time and sweat, and I’ll tip my hat; if not, it ain’t more’n a toy.”