Discover 'Jeanie', the robotic puppy designed to assist people living with Alzheimer's and dementia. This life-like companion offers support and comfort to those unable to care for real pets.
For many people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, the companionship of a pet can be a source of joy. However, the responsibilities of caring for a real animal can become overwhelming. Enter 'Jeanie', a robotic puppy created by Tombot, designed to provide emotional support without the demands of a living pet. Unveiled at CES 2025, Jeanie is a lifelike robotic dog that responds to touch and voice commands, offering comfort and companionship to those who need it most.
A Revolutionary Solution for Alzheimer's Care
The concept of Jeanie was born from a deeply personal experience. Tom Stevens, a California entrepreneur, was inspired to create the robotic dog after his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2011. "When my mother was diagnosed, I had to take her dog away for safety reasons," Stevens recalled. "She was very unhappy, and I realized there was a need for a companion that could offer the emotional benefits of a pet without the challenges of care."
Jeanie, a yellow Labrador-like robot, is designed to be more than just a toy. It responds to physical touch, wags its tail, and even reacts to voice commands, making it a lifelike companion. Unlike real pets, Jeanie requires no feeding, walking, or medical care, which makes it an ideal choice for those unable to manage the daily demands of owning a pet.
Addressing the Needs of the Elderly and Dementia Patients
Stevens’ vision for Jeanie goes beyond simply creating a robotic pet. His goal is to alleviate loneliness, anxiety, and depression, common issues faced by seniors with dementia. According to Stevens, over 300 million elderly people worldwide suffer from dementia or mild cognitive impairment, conditions that often prevent them from caring for live animals.
"People talk about loneliness and isolation, but they are actually two different things," Stevens explained. "Loneliness is the feeling of not having social connections, while isolation is being distant from others. A robot dog like Jeanie can bridge that gap by providing companionship and reducing feelings of isolation."
A Safe and Effective Alternative to Traditional Pets
Research has shown that robotic animals like Jeanie can significantly outperform traditional objects in providing comfort, especially for seniors. According to Stevens, robotic pets have the added benefit of reducing the need for painkillers and improving overall well-being. "Most seniors don't care for live pets, but studies indicate that robotic animals can provide similar emotional benefits, with the added advantage of being safe and easy to manage."
Jeanie is specifically designed to help treat the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, offering a safe, low-maintenance alternative to traditional pets. Stevens hopes to have Jeanie recognized as an FDA-approved medical device in the near future, further solidifying its place in the world of healthcare.
Availability and Future Plans
Tombot plans to begin fulfilling orders for Jeanie later in 2025. The robotic dog will be available for direct purchase by consumers at a one-time price of $1,500. Additionally, Tombot will offer rental models for institutions like nursing homes, allowing those in need of multiple units to benefit from Jeanie's comforting presence.
Jeanie, the robotic puppy from Tombot, is poised to revolutionize the way we care for elderly individuals, particularly those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. By providing emotional support, reducing isolation, and alleviating the challenges of pet ownership, Jeanie offers a new form of companionship that could change the future of dementia care. With its lifelike features and therapeutic benefits, Jeanie may just be the breakthrough that many families and caregivers have been waiting for.
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