Tombot Inc has teamed with the Jim Henson Creature Shop to create a realistic robot animal companion to help seniors struggling with dementia symptoms.

Scientists estimate that a large percentage of seniors with dementia experience behavioral and psychological symptoms of the disease (BPSD), and studies suggest that such symptoms can be reduced if they can form an emotional attachment, particularly to an object or animal, according to a media release from Tombot Inc.

Following multiple rounds of consumer testing with groups of up to 700 seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, the team at Tombot concluded that a robotic animal with a hyper-realistic appearance, feel, and behaviors had the highest capacity to elicit an emotional attachment with seniors.

To achieve that level of realism for their robots, Tombot teamed with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to provide the artistic design.

Drawing upon their Academy Award-winning animatronics skills, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop captured Tombot’s vision, creating a Labrador puppy fit for the big screen. The Tombot robotics team then brought the puppy to life, with a full suite of sensors and inventing software control systems to make the puppy both autonomous and fully interactive, the release explains.

Tombot Puppies are designed to be effective substitutes for live animal companions in providing all the benefits of a live animal without the burden of care, the risk of bites, allergic reactions, or infections.

“Virtually all of Tombot’s investors have (or had) loved ones with dementia. Through these interactions, we have come to appreciate that the benefits we are delivering aren’t just for seniors with dementia, but also for those most responsible for their ongoing care and well-being,” says Tombot CEO and Founder Tom Stevens, in the release.

Distinguishing features of a Tombot Puppy include:

  • Realistic appearance: A user-friendly design that is authentic to a real dog’s anatomy. Tombot Puppies are designed to look, feel, and move in a hyper-realistic way.
  • Lifelike expressions and behavior: Software control system that allows the robot to respond to users in a manner consistent with how a real dog would respond.
  • Response to voice commands: Voice recognition system that listens to commands and responds accordingly.
  • Easy charging: Provides all-day battery life with a cord that plugs in for overnight charging.

To view a full interview about Tombot with CEO and Founder Tom Stevens and the Jim Henson Creature Shop team, visit Tombot.

[Source(s): Tombot Inc, Business Wire]