Tombot returns to CES with enhanced Labrador Jennie
Tombot, the robotic animal and digital health solutions company behind the lifelike Labrador Retriever puppy, “Jennie”, announced it will be returning to CES in January 2026 following widespread media and industry recognition.
At CES Unveiled, Tombot plans to debut Jennie’s newly enhanced cosmetics. The main exhibition booth will feature an immersive experience for media and attendees to witness seniors interacting with Jennie in real time.
Jennie was created to bring comfort and emotional support to the 300+ million seniors struggling with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, as well as individuals facing mental health challenges, including anxiety, loneliness, autism, depression, PTSD, and stress. Jennie mimics the sounds, movements and interactions of an 8-week-old puppy— offering the therapeutic benefits of a pet to those who cannot safely care for or support a living animal. As peer-reviewed studies have shown, robotic animals can elicit similar emotional and behavioural responses as live animals, significantly reducing agitation, isolation, and other symptoms associated with cognitive impairment.
“Research shows users strongly prefer AI robots that create a warm and natural presence,” said Tom Stevens, Tombot Co-Founder and CEO. “Jennie is designed to seamlessly fit into a variety of settings, including home, hospitals, assisted living and memory care communities.”
Designed in collaboration with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Jennie’s enhanced appearance will now be even more genuine-looking, helping to reinforce emotional bond formation.
At CES 2026, the Tombot booth will replicate a comfortable living room environment and provide authentic, everyday interactions between Jennie and senior citizens. These demonstrations will highlight how Jennie can promote daily comfort and relief for individuals suffering cognitive decline or chronic loneliness.
Tombot’s mission is to create the first affordable, FDA-regulated robotic pet— providing mental and physical health benefits while reducing the need for psychotropic medications and improving overall quality of life. By serving families, caregivers, and healthcare providers across home-help, clinical, and long-term care settings, Jennie is setting a new standard in safe, interactive companionship and health monitoring.
For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem
