Social robot dog ‘Jennie’ looks so adorable and is getting ready to do a great great job

In the bustling innovation hub of CES 2025, one announcement stole the spotlight: Jennie, the robot dog. A ‘social robot‘ dog developed by TomBot—a company founded in 2017 by Tom Stevens—Jennie is not just any robotic companion. She’s a social robot, designed to transform lives, particularly for seniors facing cognitive and mental health challenges.

A Mission Born from a Personal Story

Tom Stevens’ inspiration for Jennie came from a deeply personal experience. In 2011, his mother, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, had to part ways with her beloved dog for safety reasons. The loss of her furry companion took an emotional toll, leaving Tom searching for a solution. After years of research and development, Jennie was born—a robotic alternative capable of providing comfort and companionship to those who need it most.

Recently Tom confirmed that his mother took Jennie with her everywhere she went.

Love robotics – want to try DIY projects – Check out this Robot building kit

Tail-Wagging Technology

Jennie is a remarkable blend of art and engineering. Designed in collaboration with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, in the most latest version, she is resembling an 8–10-week-old Labrador retriever puppy, complete with realistic movements like tail wagging, head tilting, and ear twitching. Jennie’s seven neck motors give her an impressive range of motion, making her lifelike and engaging. Her interactive sensors allow her to respond to various touches, from a gentle caress to an enthusiastic pat.

Jennie is currently not created to be a movable product. It is created as a lap dog due to the obvious reason that the developers doesn’t want it to be moving away from the seniors or accidently turn out to be an obstacle in their way.

Jennie can also respond to voice commands, bark, move her mouth, and make realistic puppy sounds. A smartphone app accompanies the robot, enabling users to personalize settings such as naming her, disabling barking, or adjusting her movements according to the user’s preference.

Emotional Support with a Medical Edge

Jennie is more than just a high-tech toy; she’s a robotic emotional support animal designed to improve mental well-being. Studies have shown that patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive disorders could benefit well from forming emotional attachments to objects. Jennie’s realistic appearance and interactive features make her an ideal companion for fostering these connections.

The company is aiming to make Jennie the first FDA-approved robotic animal health device. With plans to launch commercially by late 2025 or early 2026, Jennie’s next iteration will be even more refined, featuring a slightly smaller, younger appearance.

Making a Difference for Millions

Jennie’s potential applications are vast. Beyond dementia, she could offer comfort to individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, autism, loneliness, and depression. Her affordability compared to competitors ensures that more people can access the benefits of this innovative companion.

TomBot’s 21-member team has already secured 7,000 preorders, including orders from hospitals, assisted living facilities, and memory care centers. With such overwhelming interest, Jennie is set to become a staple in health care and caregiving environments.

Environmentally Conscious and Affordable

Jennie isn’t just good for people—she’s designed with the planet in mind. Her rechargeable battery and thoughtful design make her an environmentally conscious choice. And despite her advanced features, Jennie remains affordable, ensuring that families and caregivers can easily integrate her into their lives.

Recognized for Innovation

This isn’t the first time TomBot has turned heads. In 2020, Jennie was named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions, a testament to her groundbreaking potential.

Looking Ahead

With her blend of cutting-edge technology, medical benefits, and emotional warmth, Jennie represents a new era of caregiving and companionship. Whether it’s wagging her tail, responding to a gentle touch, or simply being there, Jennie is more than a robot—she’s a source of hope for millions.

As Jennie prepares to make her commercial debut, the future looks bright for those who need her most. Tom Stevens and his team at TomBot are proving that innovation, empathy, and engineering can come together to create something truly life-changing.

Information about it’s availability and pre-order options is available on the official website of Tombot at tombot.com