Jennie isn’t a toy—and she isn’t trying to replace a real pet. She’s a lifelike robotic dog designed to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support, especially for seniors and people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, or anxiety.

Developed by Tombot, Jennie was inspired by a deeply personal problem: what happens when someone who needs the comfort of a dog can no longer safely care for one?

Why Jennie Exists

For many older adults, pets are powerful medicine. Dogs reduce loneliness, lower stress, and encourage emotional engagement. But real dogs also require feeding, walking, vet visits, and training—responsibilities that can become overwhelming or unsafe for people with cognitive or physical limitations.

Jennie was created to bridge that gap.

She looks and behaves like a golden retriever puppy, a breed often associated with warmth, trust, and family familiarity. The goal isn’t novelty—it’s recognition and reassurance.

What Makes Jennie Special

Jennie is packed with sensors and responsive behaviors that make interactions feel natural:

• Responds to touch – she reacts when petted or hugged
• Makes eye contact and turns toward voices
• Realistic sounds – soft barks, whines, and breathing
• Emotionally engaging behaviors designed to calm and soothe

Unlike many robotic pets, Jennie is intentionally non-judgmental and predictable, which is especially important for people with dementia who may become distressed by change or confusion.

Therapeutic Benefits

Studies and caregiver reports consistently show that robotic companion animals can:

• Reduce agitation and anxiety
• Decrease feelings of loneliness
• Encourage social interaction
• Provide comfort during sundowning episodes
• Offer emotional grounding without medication

Jennie is often used in memory-care facilities, assisted living communities, and private homes, where real animals may be restricted.

Not a Gimmick—A Tool

Jennie isn’t about replacing human connection. She’s about supporting it.

Caregivers frequently report that Jennie helps open emotional doors—sparking conversations, memories, and moments of calm that might otherwise be unreachable. For families, she can offer peace of mind knowing their loved one has a comforting presence at any hour of the day or night.

The Bigger Picture

As populations age and caregiving resources stretch thin, technologies like Jennie point toward a future where compassionate design matters as much as innovation. She represents a shift away from cold, clinical solutions and toward tools that respect emotional needs—especially for society’s most vulnerable members.

Jennie the robot dog isn’t just clever engineering.
She’s a reminder that comfort, dignity, and companionship are essential parts of care.