Meet Snoop, the Robotic Therapy Dog

Snoop is a “lifelike” robotic therapy dog designed to assist individuals with disabilities.

This clever robot can perform tricks and lift its paws without startling the residents at the Academy House.

Amel Iqbal, the director of a daycare service for adults with learning disabilities in Alexandria, Glasgow, introduced Snoop, claiming he feels “very real”.

“Many young people with disabilities often feel uneasy around dogs or might even be scared of them, so we started looking into the idea of a robot dog,” Iqbal explained.

“My brother has a learning disability, and he really took to Snoop. It gives him a noticeable boost.”

“When Snoop first came to the center, everyone immediately adored him. They just wanted to pet him and see him do tricks.”

Ameer also mentioned, “He walks towards you in a way that feels just like a real dog.”

Ameer launched Academy House in 2012, driven by personal experiences.

“After losing my mother when we were young, my father and stepmother raised my brother Zafar and me. When my stepmother passed away, I noticed a lack of services for my brother, who has both a physical and learning disability. So, I decided to create one myself.”

“Ultimately, it’s all about improving lives and providing assistance. There can sometimes be a tendency to hide mental health issues, and I wanted to shift that perspective,” Iqbal noted.

Having left a career in finance, he described Academy House’s approach as “very personalized.”

“Our activities are shaped by the needs of the individuals we support. We spend a lot of time going out, reading, playing music, and dancing.”

“The aim is to give parents and families some respite, knowing their loved ones are in a safe space.”

Meanwhile, Snoop has gained local fame.

“He definitely sparks conversations when we’re out and about,” Amel said.