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At CES 2026, among the drones, screens, and AI-powered assistants, one of the most emotionally resonant technologies wasn’t designed for productivity or entertainment — it was designed for comfort.
As reported by WTOP, Tombot’s hyperrealistic robotic puppy, Jennie, drew crowds not just on the show floor, but in real-world demonstrations at senior living communities in Las Vegas and Henderson. For many residents, the experience wasn’t about novelty. It was about connection.
What Makes Jennie Different From a Toy
Jennie is modeled after an eight- to ten-week-old Labrador retriever puppy and is designed specifically for seniors living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive and physical health challenges. She responds to voice, touch, and movement with lifelike behaviors: tail wags, puppy sounds recorded from real dogs, subtle body shifts, and even a detectable heartbeat that responds to petting.
Behind that realism is extensive engineering work — much of it led by Synapse, an engineering firm specializing in medical-grade and human-centered hardware.
According to Synapse, robotic emotional-support animals like Jennie are designed to mimic the therapeutic benefits of live animal companionship without the risks associated with real pets, including falls, bites, inconsistent care, or the emotional trauma of losing an animal.
Peer-reviewed research cited by Tombot and Synapse indicates that robotic animals can reduce agitation and behavioral symptoms associated with dementia and may decrease reliance on psychotropic medications in some patients.
Engineering for Real Life, Not Just the Show Floor
Early versions of Jennie were handcrafted in collaboration with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop — visually compelling, but fragile and impractical for everyday use. Synapse was brought in to redesign the puppy from the ground up, transforming the prototype into a durable, manufacturable product known internally as Alpha I Jennie, nicknamed “Clifford.”
Key improvements focused on safety, realism, and longevity:
- Reinforced neck and head mechanisms that allow natural movements like resting the head between the paws
- Redesigned tail capable of realistic wagging and tucking while “sleeping”
- Added eyebrow movement after research showed “puppy dog eyes” play a major role in emotional bonding
- Safer mouth mechanics designed to prevent injury from accidental biting motions
- Improved ear structure for safer interaction and more expressive movement
Equally important was sound and responsiveness. Synapse engineers built an advanced audio processing system using beamforming microphones, allowing Jennie to recognize where a voice is coming from, turn her head accordingly, and respond with context-appropriate behaviors. The system supports more than 20 voice commands, with customizable behaviors controlled through a companion smartphone app.
The goal, according to both companies, is affordability and accessibility — not a luxury novelty item, but a regulated, medical-grade companion designed for daily use.
Why This Matters in Las Vegas and Beyond
Tombot didn’t just showcase Jennie at CES — they brought her into senior living communities across Southern Nevada, including facilities in Las Vegas and Henderson. Residents were invited to interact naturally, holding Jennie on their laps and engaging with her as they would a real puppy.
For seniors who once had dogs but can no longer safely care for one, the emotional response was immediate. Some described feeling joy without anxiety. Others spoke about companionship without responsibility — no feeding schedules, no vet visits, no risk of falls.
For these environments, robotic pets may fill a gap where live animals are not allowed or not safe, offering comfort without compromising care standards.
Where Robotic Pets Do – and Don’t – Fit
While robotic animals may offer meaningful benefits in healthcare, memory care, and assisted living settings, they raise broader questions within the animal welfare community.
Across the U.S., including here in Nevada, shelters and rescues remain overcrowded. Millions of real dogs are waiting for homes, foster placements, or rescue transport. For people who are physically, financially, and emotionally able to care for a live animal, adoption remains a critical and life-saving option.
Robotic pets do not replace real dogs — nor are they designed to. They are alternatives for situations where real animals are not feasible due to safety, health, or care limitations.
Understanding that distinction is key. Innovation aimed at reducing loneliness in vulnerable populations does not negate the urgent need for rescue, adoption, and shelter reform.
What This Could Mean for the Future
Tombot’s long-term goal is ambitious: becoming the world’s first FDA-regulated robotic animal that also functions as a remote safety and health monitoring platform. If successful, this could place robotic companions alongside other assistive medical devices — not as entertainment, but as tools for emotional and psychological care.
As technology continues to blur the line between emotional support and artificial intelligence, communities will need to navigate how these tools coexist with — rather than overshadow — real animals and the systems built to protect them.