Tombot’s AI-powered robotic puppy companion is more than just an emotional support animal, through an array of sensors it can also remotely monitor patients. The company is planning to have a beta version available soon with full production later in 2024.
There were many impressive technologies and digital solutions on display at #ViVE2024, but by far the more impressive (and cutest) was the one from a company called Tombot. They have an interactive, fully automated, emotional support animal that addresses the behavioral and psychological needs of patients with Dementia.
Healthcare IT Today got a preview of their robot from Tombot’s CEO, Tom Stevens, who called it an “immortal puppy”.
Realistic but not real
When you see the Tombot puppy you cannot help but be struck by how realistic it looks and behaves. It reacts to sound and light. It turns its head to face you when it hears a nearby voice. It even reacts differently depending on where and what intensity you pet it.
However, Stevens is careful to point out that their robot is not meant to trick patients into thinking it is a real dog, it is meant to be seen as a robot.
“After consulting with over 700 patients with Dementia we learned that most prefer a robotic animal companion over a real one,” explained Stevens. “As we get older we tend not to have pets because we don’t want the burden of caring for them and we don’t want to deal with the potential grief when they pass on. Our puppy addresses these issues without being an exact replacement of a pet.”
Packed with sensors
The Tombot puppy can function all day on a single charge. Future versions will recharge wirelessly when it is “laying down” on its bed. There are over nine motors that control its movement. It even comes with a smartphone app that lets you customize the robot – like what name it will respond to.
Most impressively, the puppy is packed with sensors. Some of these sensors are meant to capture how unit is being handled. There are sensors beneath the fur to determine how it is being stroked or pet. There are also accelerometers to help it react properly when it is being picked up or held.
There are also sensors that monitor the patient. It is these sensors that gather the information that could be tracked and sent (with authorization from the user) to the nursing station, to loved ones, or to their care team.
“We are aiming not only to be the leaders in robotic animals, but also leaders in contactless remote monitoring,” stated Stevens.
Judging from the version they were demonstrating at ViVE2024, the company is well on its way.
Fascinating side note: Jim Henson’s studio was involved in the design of the Tombot puppy.
Learn more about Tombot at https://tombot.com/
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