top of page
Search

Future Products: Animatronic Companion Pet

  • GLC Team
  • Apr 8
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 9

ree

Imagine a pet that takes care for you. Meet Jennie, a robotic therapy dog. She is a breakthrough innovation designed by TomBot to provide comfort, stress reduction, and companionship to individuals such as those living with dementia. Jennie is a life-like, interactive robotic puppy that offers many of the same emotional benefits as a real pet, without the efforts of pet care. TomBot is developing the first widely available litter and offers a waitlist for those interested.


Jennie has Charm

She was developed in partnership with Jim Henson's Creature Shop and is equipped with advanced sensors and AI, enabling her to respond to touch, voice, and even provide comfort. Jennie’s fur feels soft to the touch, and she makes sounds such as gentle barks that mimic the behavior of a real puppy. These engaging features speak to our natural tendency to personify objects/toys.


If Caretakers Could Train Her

I cannot speak to what the engineers will do next or what they are developing now, but I can describe what features I would most want from her as a caretaker.

  • Sensor that measures body temperature. UTIs are hard to identify in dementia patients and Jennie could be an added guardian.

  • A fall detection alert. Currently fall alert products are available, but integrated into Jennie would be all the better.

  • Integrated alert words like Help (calls for assistance), Water, (blinks a light in a different room) for increasingly soft-spoken voices.

  • Integration voice command with the TV volume or favorite channels.

  • Longer, washable fur, because it's all about the petting. I did read she can be wiped or sprayed. They already know what we need.

  • Integrated event reminders for mealtime, sleep, and wake up. In real life, our pets do keep the schedule, and this ability often fades with dementia.

  • Camera so caregivers can check in without concern while she stands guard.


If she can do all that, and somehow brings me my slippers, sign me up! Her price is not yet listed on the website. We can't wait to hear about the next release.


For more information, check out the Tombot website 

Gentlelivingco.com derives no benefit from this content.

 
 
bottom of page