My cat's automatic feeder broke at 5 AM yesterday and I'm actually kind of glad it did.
The loud motor failure scared my cat, but it led to him waking me up for breakfast with headbutts, which I think is a much nicer, more natural way to start our day together than a machine whirring in the corner.
Yeah, it makes you wonder if we rely on tech for things that don't need it. That direct contact is way better for the bond. Maybe some things are better left broken.