Will mechanics replace veterinarians?
This article from Livescience discusses studies that show some people get the same feelings from robotic “pets” as they do from the real thing.
[S]everal studies show that robotic pets . . . invoke the same feelings and reactions as real pets.
In a recent study at the University of Missouri, levels of cortisol dropped among adults who petted AIBO, Sony’s dog-shaped robot. Cortisol is a hormone that indicates stress. AIBO has some convincing dog-like behaviors; it responds when stroked, chases a ball and perks up when it hears a familiar voice.
Purdue psychologist Gail Melson gave AIBO to children ages 7 to 15 for a few play periods; 70 percent felt the robot could be a good companion, like a pet. When AIBOs were provided to elderly residents in independent living facilities for six weeks, residents reported being less depressed and lonely.
A robotic pet would never get into the trash or need its litter box cleaned. It would not scratch the sofa or demand to be walked. But I doubt that many people would find them as rewarding and companionable as a live cat or dog in the long run. It’s an interesting concept, but for now I don’t think my job security will be challenged by this trend!
You have questions. 
I cannot foresee how anyone would find anything good about an electronic pet. Somehow I don’t see an electronic pet doing the “pug love” routine before bed time.
I will stick with my Pug & BT.
As much as I would personally like to see people in nursing homes being able to take in needy senior dogs, because of allergies and phobias some people may have, this may not be possible, so in that case I think robotic dogs would be a great idea.