Having a furry friend can do wonders for mental health, but let’s be real: pets aren’t always an option. Landlords aren’t keen on barking tenants, allergies exist, and who wants to scoop poop in freezing weather? Enter Tombot Jennie, the robotic Labrador retriever puppy that offers all the love of a real dog without the chaos—or the vet bills.

Robot pets designed to ease anxiety and boost mental well-being aren’t exactly new. But while some go for abstract designs (remember that headless robot cat?) or resemble creatures you can’t quite place, Tombot Jennie stands out as a hyper-realistic robotic dog with equally lifelike behaviors.
Crafted with the artistic wizardry of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop (yes, that Jim Henson), Jennie looks, feels, and even sounds like an 8-to-10-week-old puppy. She’s got interactive sensors to respond to your touch, authentic Labrador puppy sounds, and zero interest in digging up your garden. Talk about a well-trained pup.
Jennie isn’t just cute; she’s a legit emotional support companion designed to help individuals facing challenges like dementia, autism, and depression. You can rename her via the Tombot app (goodbye Jennie, hello Sir Barksalot), and her software updates mean she’ll keep learning new tricks—minus the messy house-training stage.
With a battery that lasts all day and recharges overnight, Jennie is always ready for belly rubs, albeit digital ones. The best part? She won’t judge your Netflix binge sessions or demand expensive chew toys.
Priced at US$449 (or US$399 if you preorder), Jennie is expected to start shipping later this year. That’s a small price to pay for unconditional love and zero carpet stains.



Images: Tombot.