At CES 2026, among humanoid robots and AI-powered gadgets, one of the most emotionally impactful devices wasn’t designed for productivity or entertainment. It was designed for comfort. Tombot’s Jenny is a fully interactive robotic emotional support animal created specifically for seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Inspired by founder Tom Stevens’ personal experience —having to remove his mother’s dog after her diagnosis— Jenny was built to fill a very specific gap: offering the emotional benefits of a pet without the safety risks.
And unlike novelty robot pets, this one aims to be classified as an FDA-registered medical device.
Design and Realism — A Lap Dog That Feels Alive
Jenny is designed as an 8–10 week old Labrador Retriever puppy. The realism isn’t accidental. Tombot collaborated with the Jim Henson’s Creature Shop —the same team behind the Muppets— to refine her look and movement.
She’s intentionally built as a lap dog, not a walking robot. For seniors with limited mobility, anything on the floor can become a fall hazard. So Jenny rests safely in the user’s lap and reacts to touch.
Her fur is:
- Hypoallergenic
- Antimicrobial
- Soft and tactile (a key part of dementia therapy)
Underneath the fur, she’s packed with capacitive touch sensors across her head, back, neck, and paws.
Pros
Highly realistic fur and facial design
Designed safely for lap use
Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial materials
Cons
Doesn’t walk or roam (by design)
Realism may still feel artificial to some users
Performance and Interaction — Dog AI That Responds Naturally
Jenny isn’t a simple animatronic with pre-programmed loops. She’s a fully autonomous robotic companion powered by what the team calls “dog AI.”
She can:
- Detect different types of touch (light pet, caress, vigorous interaction, being held)
- Respond to voice commands
- Orient toward the direction of sound (thanks to four microphones)
- Sense light levels and avoid barking in dark environments
- Detect movement with accelerometers and gyros
- Monitor temperature and shut down if overheating
She also supports multiple languages and can be renamed through the companion app — once renamed, she responds only to that chosen name.
That level of unpredictability is intentional. Tombot’s research showed that robotic movement had to feel organic to create genuine emotional attachment. Early versions that “moved like robots” didn’t resonate as strongly.
Pros
Directional audio recognition
Differentiates touch intensity
Multi-language support
Personalized name response
Cons
May struggle in extremely noisy environments
Behavior customization still limited to app controls
If you’re interested in the broader impact of machine learning in medicine, see how AI is helping doctors diagnose diseases faster in modern clinical settings.
Medical Positioning — More Than a Toy
Tombot positions Jenny as a medical support device intended to help treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The goal is to:
- Reduce agitation
- Lower anxiety
- Potentially reduce reliance on certain psychotropic medications
The company states that Jenny will be registered as an FDA device under a 510(k)-exempt classification, meaning it must comply with manufacturing standards but does not require pre-market approval.
Beyond dementia, Tombot reports strong interest from families of:
- Children with autism
- Adults with PTSD
- People with anxiety or major depressive disorder
- Patients undergoing cancer treatment
- Individuals unable to safely care for live animals
Clinical partnerships are ongoing with hospitals and assisted living facilities.
Pros
Clinical focus and research partnerships
Designed specifically for dementia care environments
Remote monitoring platform capabilities
Cons
Full clinical data still in progress
Medical classification may vary by region
For those looking for wearable tech with a focus on monitoring, check out our deep dive into the Apple Watch Series 10 and its advanced health features.
Battery and App Experience — Simple for Users, Flexible for Caregivers
Jenny charges like a smartphone and is designed to last an entire day on a single charge.
The optional caregiver app allows:
- Name customization
- Behavior adjustments (calmer, more energetic, bark control)
- Configuration settings
Importantly, the app isn’t required. Users can simply plug her in and interact without technical setup — a critical design choice for elderly users.
Pros
All-day battery life
Optional app (not mandatory)
Easy wall charging
Cons
Advanced features depend on caregiver involvement
Software updates and future expansion still evolving
Emotional Tech With a Clear Purpose
Tombot Jenny stands out because she isn’t chasing spectacle. She’s built for a vulnerable audience and grounded in a real-world caregiving problem. For families navigating dementia care, autism support, or trauma recovery, Jenny offers something rare in consumer robotics: a product designed around emotional stability rather than novelty.
She won’t replace a live animal for everyone. But for those who cannot safely keep a pet, she may offer a meaningful alternative, one built with clinical ambition, thoughtful design, and surprisingly lifelike warmth.
