Tombot and Creature Shop create "hyper-realistic" robotic puppy for dementia patients
US robotics company Tombot has unveiled Jennie, a battery and AI-powered robotic pet designed to provide companionship and comfort to those struggling with cognitive health.
With artistic design by Muppets creator Jim Henson's Creature Shop, Jennie was created by Tombot CEO Tom Stevens in response to his mother's dementia, which resulted in the pair re-homing a dog after she could no longer properly care for the pet. The robotic dog was presented this week at tech fair CES in Las Vegas.
Jennie follows the size and shape of a small, reclined Labrador Retriever puppy. It is outfitted with touch sensors to respond to human pets and produces AI-generated barks and recorded "puppy sounds" in response to voice commands.
The "robotic pet" was designed to look and act like a puppy to provide support for elders facing mild cognitive impairment or others with mental health challenges such as depression, PTSD or loneliness.
"[The] hyper-realistic, fully-autonomous Labrador retriever puppy known as Jennie was created to bring comfort and support to the 300+ million seniors struggling with dementia or mild cognitive impairment," said Tombot.
"Jennie offers an unparalleled experience that captures the sounds, movements and interactions of a real puppy."
According to Tombot, peer-reviewed studies indicate robotic animals have the capacity to ease the symptoms of dementia such as hallucinations or aggressive outbursts associated with the condition.
Jennie was also designed as a cost-effective and accessible alternative to owning a real pet, a challenge for some facing behavioural or cognitive struggles.
"Jennie can provide a similar sense of companionship – without the typical challenges of pet ownership," said the team. "Jennie is a pet for people who can not have pets."
It is powered by a rechargeable battery, while a Smartphone app allows users to name their model and monitor engagement. Regular Jennie software updates will also be available according to Tombot.
The company previously presented the robotic puppy at CES in 2020, but has since expanded its range of motion – including a blinking action – and reduced its size to fit comfortably on a user's lap.
Tombot also aims to register Jennies as "the first robotic puppies to be FDA-registered medical devices" to serve in hospitals and other care facilities.
Other technology unveiled at CES 2025 in Las Vegas includes an instant at-home hormone testing kit by Eli Health, while last year LG presented a two-legged robot designed to complete household tasks.
CES 2025 takes place in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 January 2025. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.
The photography is courtesy of Tombot
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