A hyper realistic robotic puppy designed to comfort people living with dementia and loneliness has been unveiled by US robotics firm Tombot. The Tombot Jennie dog was presented at CES 2025 in Las Vegas and is being positioned as a new form of emotional support technology for older adults and care settings.
Created with artistic input from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Jennie is designed to look and behave like a real Labrador Retriever puppy. Its creators say the aim is to provide comfort without the responsibilities or risks that can come with owning a live animal.
How the Tombot Jennie dog works
The Tombot Jennie dog uses a combination of sensors, motors and artificial intelligence to mimic realistic puppy behaviour. It is powered by a rechargeable battery designed to last a full day with typical use and can be charged overnight.
Jennie is covered in capacitive touch sensors that detect when it is being stroked or petted. These sensors allow the robot to respond by moving its head, nuzzling into a hand or making appropriate sounds. Inside the robot are nine servo motors which control movement in the head, neck, eyebrows and tail.
The robot also includes microphones to respond to voice commands, as well as an accelerometer and gyroscope to understand its position and orientation. A light sensor prevents barking in dark environments, while temperature sensors monitor the surrounding conditions. Realistic puppy sounds are produced using recordings of young Labrador puppies, rather than synthetic audio alone.
A companion smartphone app allows users or carers to rename the robot, adjust settings and receive software updates. For privacy reasons, Tombot says the app only connects when the phone and robot are in the same room.
Who is Jennie designed for
The primary target market for the Tombot Jennie dog is older adults living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Tombot also says the robot may benefit people experiencing depression, PTSD or chronic loneliness.
Research cited by the company suggests that forming an emotional attachment to an object can reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, including agitation and hallucinations. Jennie was deliberately designed to sit on a lap or table, reducing fall risks in care environments.
At a planned price of around $1,500, Jennie is intended as a long term companion rather than a toy. Tombot hopes to see the robot used in private homes, hospitals and residential care facilities.
Ethical questions around robotic pets
The use of robotic animals in care settings raises ethical questions. Critics argue that replacing human or animal interaction with machines risks emotional deception. Supporters counter that for people who cannot safely care for pets, robotic companions can improve wellbeing and reduce reliance on medication.
Tombot says Jennie is not intended to replace human contact, but to supplement care and provide comfort during moments of distress.
What is next for Tombot
Tombot plans to bring the Tombot Jennie dog to market later this year following nearly a decade of research and development. The company is also seeking FDA registration in the United States, which would make Jennie one of the first robotic animals classified as a medical device.
Future updates are expected to improve movement, responsiveness and software features, as Tombot works to scale production and meet growing demand.
