Full of sensors, Jennie is a little domestic robot in the shape of… a puppy! Its goal: to help people suffering from illnesses that do not allow them to take care of a real animal. Why not !
It is no longer to be proven that animals have a beneficial effect on people suffering from anxiety, depression or even degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This is why doctors developed pet therapy. The problem is that it is sometimes very difficult to take care of an animal in these cases, because adopting a furball involves great responsibilities. The more the disease progresses, the less these people are able to take care of themselves…
This is where Jennie comes in, a small domestic robot in the shape of a Labrador puppy which has just been presented by the Californian start-up Tombot at CES 2025, the major high-tech trade show currently being held in Las Vegas. And if he looks more like a stuffed animal than a real dog, Jennie is packed with technology for one purpose: to soothe people who suffer from loneliness, anxiety or dementia.
Tombot Jennie: the comfort of a dog, but without the hassle or responsibilities
Jennie has numerous highly sensitive interactive and tactile sensors all over her body, giving her the ability to respond based on how and where she is touched. This furry robot can bark, wag its tail, neck and ears like a real pooch, and even respond to voice and touch commands. The sounds Jennie produces are extremely realistic because they were recorded on a real twelve-week-old Labrador. And, of course, he never asks for his kibble and doesn’t need to be taken out to stretch his legs or do his business. It’s a simple device: like a smartphone, it can be updated via its mobile application and has a socket for recharging.
Jennie was designed to help older people suffering from neurological illnesses, but also those suffering from stress, loneliness, anxiety, autism or depression. Over the years, the puppy acquires new actions and commands. It is possible to obtain one on the Tombot website, but you must register on the waiting list until the next litter arrives.