Meet Jennie from TomBot: The Robotic Puppy Revolutionizing Dementia Care at CES Show 2025

TomBot Website: tombot.com

About the Guest(s):

Tom Stevens is the CEO and Co-founder of TomBot Incorporated, a Santa Clarita, California-based company specializing in robotic animals and digital health solutions. With a robust background in high-tech and startups, Tom and his co-founders previously built one of the world's largest litigation automation companies before a successful exit. Tom's current venture was inspired by his personal experience with his mother's Alzheimer's, motivating him to create robotic companions for individuals with dementia and other mental health challenges.

Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode of The Chris Bos Show, host Chris Vos explores the intersection of technology and healthcare with Tom Stevens, CEO of TomBot Incorporated. Broadcasting from an imagined bunker in Maine, Chris delves into Tom's groundbreaking work in developing "Jennie," a robotic Labrador retriever designed to support seniors suffering from dementia, cognitive impairments, and other mental health challenges. Tom shares personal stories that fueled his passion for bridging the gap in the market with lifelike robotic companions.

This episode offers an in-depth look at how TomBot is revolutionizing digital healthcare with their pioneering robotic companion, Jennie. Key topics include the design and functionality of Jennie, the technical expertise from Jim Henson's Creature Shop, and the broader impact on emotional health and therapy. Listeners learn about the rigorous research backing TomBot's technology, its capabilities like sensory interaction and autonomous behaviors, and the company's strategic goals at CES to expand market reach and attract investors. This engaging discussion promises to deepen understanding of robotic applications in healthcare and the transformative potential for those struggling with isolation and mental health issues.

Key Takeaways:

TomBot's Jennie, a robotic Labrador retriever, is engineered to provide companionship to seniors with dementia and other mental health challenges, mimicking lifelike behaviors.

Emotional attachments to realistic robotic pets can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and the need for certain medications in seniors.

The design of Jennie involved collaboration with Jim Henson's Creature Shop to create robotics that stimulate emotional bonds through visual and behavioral realism.

TomBot is leveraging CES 2025 to showcase Jennie's capabilities, building both consumer and business-to-business connections while seeking investment.

Senior care facilities could greatly benefit from adopting robotic companions like Jenny to enhance patient care and reduce social isolation.

Notable Quotes:

"We've teamed up with Jim Henson's Creature Shop to build what we believe to be the world's most realistic robotic animals."

"Our first puppy will be an FDA medical device designed to treat the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia."

"Humans like to suspend disbelief, and even though we know Jenny is a robot, we still want to engage with her as if she were real."

"We're scientifically designed to stimulate emotional attachment through the realism of appearance, texture, and behaviors."

"Our goal is to replace emotional support animals and assist those who benefit from companionship but cannot accommodate a real pet."