While attending CES 2026, I had the opportunity to experience Tombot’s robotic dog, Jennie, and it was one of the most emotionally striking technologies I encountered at the show. Designed to support seniors, particularly those living with dementia, Jennie offers a level of realism and responsiveness that goes well beyond typical companion robots.
What stood out immediately was Jennie’s lifelike design and movement. Her head turns, eye blinks, and tail wags felt natural and intentional rather than mechanical. Powered by nine servo motors, these subtle motions helped create a calming presence that genuinely felt like interacting with a real puppy.
Jennie responds intuitively thanks to an advanced sensor system that includes capacitive touch sensors, a microphone array, accelerometer, gyroscope, and environmental sensors. Gentle petting, changes in movement, and voice interaction all prompted believable reactions, reinforcing a sense of companionship rather than novelty.
The realism is further enhanced by authentic puppy sounds, recorded from real Labrador retrievers. The soft barks and playful noises added warmth and emotional depth, making interactions feel immersive and comforting.
Customization is handled through a dedicated smartphone app, which allows users to name Jennie, adjust features, monitor interactions, and receive software updates that introduce new behaviors over time. This level of personalization made the experience feel tailored and thoughtful.
From a practical standpoint, Jennie is easy to maintain. She offers all-day battery life with overnight charging and requires minimal care—simply wiping her clean with a damp cloth. There’s no feeding, bathing, or ongoing maintenance, which is especially important for seniors or caregiving environments.
The main consideration is the $1,500 price point, which is significant. However, experiencing Jennie firsthand made it clear that her value lies in providing emotional comfort and companionship without the burden or unpredictability of caring for a live pet.
Overall, Tombot’s Jennie left a lasting impression on me at CES 2026. She represents a thoughtful and compassionate application of robotics—one that prioritizes emotional well-being and human connection over pure technical spectacle.