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Robotic pets appear to be making a comeback at CES 2025, and not just because they can be fun sources of entertainment. Compared to last year, I have noticed that there has been a noticeable increase in the number of new weird and wonderful furry companions on display.
Aside from robot companions like Samsung’s Ballie or the seemingly countless new robovacs (Roborocks now have mechanical arms, for example, while Dreame’s latest model introduces mechanical legs), lawn robots, pool robots, and snowplow robots, there are a number of pet-like robots. toys that fill the halls of convention spaces here in Las Vegas.
While some are cute like Hengbot’s robot dog Sparky, who had some of the most realistic gestures similar to a real-life dog thanks to his agile movement, others seemed rather creepy (though maybe that’s just because I’ve seen some of the best horror movies with scary mechanical toys).
However, that doesn’t mean that these pet robots don’t meet very specific needs. In fact, there was one that completely changed my mind about emotional support robots after seeing how they could help those who can no longer care for their pets.
Mirumi: a shy and furry robot that attaches to your bag
Picture this: You’re on a train on your way to work when your attention is caught by a furry, sloth-like robot that turns its head to look at you. You may immediately wonder if it really moved, but when you see it turn its head towards its owner, you’ll realize this is a companion robot like no other.
The robot I’m talking about is Mirumi from Tokyo robotics startup Yukai Engineering, which says Mirumi is designed to “steal glances” at people nearby, just like a baby or toddler would. It’s presented as a fun accessory that you can interact with and delight in seeing its teddy bear eyes, and from the reactions I’ve seen online, many tech enthusiasts agree that it’s adorable.
In fact, TechRadar’s Lance Ulanoff said this furry clip-on robot is the strangest thing he’s seen at CES, and I get it. Mirumi completely surprised me with her unusual little face and strange movements, to the point that I wouldn’t say she’s the cutest robot in Yukai Engineering; That award would have to go to this little cat robot that offers perfect control over drinks.
Ropet: a next-generation Furby with AI emotional sensors
If you’re a Furby fan, then you’ll love this new Kickstarter-funded AI robot pet. Ropet looks a lot like the interactive toy that was released in 1998, but it’s much smarter thanks to the integration of ChatGPT along with cameras, sensors and microphones.
This allows it to offer a more personalized interaction by allowing it to recognize its owner and react differently to their expressions, touch or voice. The idea is that Ropet can show you how he feels by showing different symbols in his eyes or by turning around and moving his arms.
Like the Tamagotchi, Ropet needs care (you have to give him time and let him get enough sleep) and if he is not very loved he will show it to you by walking away from you or showing an unhappy, sad or angry image in his LED eyes. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t help but think that waking up to an angry Furby staring me in the face at night might be the stuff of nightmares.
Jennie: a realistic puppy saved the day
I may not have been convinced by most of the pet robots I saw at CES, but there was one that changed my mind completely. Jennie from Tombot is a stuffed golden retriever with built-in sensors that allow her to react to your touch and voice.
The most impressive thing about Jennie is her hyper-realistic movements and gestures that she makes when you start caressing her; He’ll wag his tail, tilt his head, and look at you with big puppy eyes that can even open and close. He is incredibly convincing to the point that I found myself scratching his chin like I would any other dog.
Launched by Tom Stevens in 2017 to help those who can practically no longer care for their pets, Jennie is a next-generation service dog who promises to never leave your side. As a dog lover who once had to say goodbye to a family pet, I love this robot pet for how it can help people.
@PakGazette ♬ original sound – TechRadar
