Technology

Robotic dog helps those facing mental health and cognitive challenges

Published

10 months ago

January 24, 2025

Robotic dog helps those facing mental health and cognitive challenges

U.S. robotics company Tombot has introduced Jennie, an innovative AI-powered robotic pet designed to provide comfort and companionship to those facing cognitive health challenges.

This groundbreaking creation is set to transform the lives of millions struggling with dementia, mild cognitive impairment and various mental health issues.

AI-powered robotic dog. (Tombot)

The birth of Jennie

Jennie’s inception stems from a personal tragedy experienced by Tombot CEO Tom Stevens. When his mother, Nancy, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the family had to make the heart-wrenching decision to rehome her beloved dog, Golden Bear.

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This difficult choice led to increased loneliness and depression for Nancy. Recognizing the widespread need for a solution, Stevens founded Tombot with the mission to create a robotic companion that could provide the emotional benefits of pet ownership without the associated challenges.

AI-powered robotic dog with its companion. (Tombot)

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Cutting-edge design and technology

Jennie’s lifelike appearance is the result of a collaboration with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, renowned for creating the iconic Muppets. This artistic partnership has resulted in a hyperrealistic Labrador retriever puppy that captures the essence of a real dog.

Jennie features an impressive array of interactive technologies designed to create a lifelike and engaging companion experience. The robotic puppy features sophisticated interactive touch sensors strategically placed across its body, allowing it to respond authentically to human touch and interaction. When a user pets or touches Jennie, the advanced sensor technology enables nuanced, realistic reactions that mimic a real puppy’s behavior.

Voice command recognition technology allows Jennie to understand and respond to verbal instructions, creating an incredibly realistic puppy-like interaction. Users can give commands like “speak” or “sit,” and Jennie will react accordingly, providing a sense of genuine companionship and responsiveness.

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To enhance its authenticity, Jennie’s sounds are meticulously crafted from actual recordings of 8- to 10-week-old Labrador puppies. These genuine puppy sounds create an incredibly immersive experience, making interactions feel remarkably true to life and emotionally engaging.

The robotic puppy is engineered for practical, everyday use with an impressive all-day battery life. Users can simply plug Jennie in overnight, similar to charging a smartphone, ensuring the companion is ready for full daily interaction without interruption.

A dedicated smartphone app provides users with extensive customization options. Through this digital interface, owners can name their Jennie, personalize its functionality and track daily interactions, adding another layer of personal connection to the robotic pet experience.

Tombot is committed to continuous improvement, offering regular software updates that will introduce new behaviors and commands. This approach ensures that Jennie remains dynamic and evolving, with the potential for expanding capabilities over time through simple app-based upgrades.

AI-powered robotic dog specs. (Tombot)

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The impact of Jennie on mental health

Jennie was specifically designed to address the needs of individuals facing various health challenges:

Dementia and mild cognitive impairment: Peer-reviewed studies suggest that robotic animals can help ease symptoms such as hallucinations and aggressive outbursts.

Anxiety and depression: Jennie provides comfort and support for those struggling with mental health issues.

Loneliness: The robotic puppy offers companionship to seniors and others experiencing isolation.

Stress: Jennie can help alleviate psychological stress in long-term hospital patients.

AI-powered robotic dog. (Tombot)

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Future prospects

Tombot aims to register Jennie as an FDA-regulated medical device, potentially expanding its use in hospitals and care facilities. With over 7,500 preorders from homes, hospitals and care centers, Jennie is poised to make a significant impact in the field of robotic companionship.

AI-powered robotic dog. (Tombot)

A cost-effective alternative

Priced at $449, Jennie offers an affordable and accessible alternative to live pet ownership. This is particularly beneficial for those who cannot safely or practically care for a real animal due to health or living conditions. To join the Jennie waitlist, prospective owners can click the link on Tombot’s website, and the company will directly contact you with specific pricing details and shipping availability as the next production batch approaches.

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Companion with AI-powered robotic dog with its companion. (Tombot)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Jennie represents a significant step forward in addressing the emotional and companionship needs of those facing cognitive and mental health challenges. By combining cutting-edge technology with a compassionate approach, Tombot has created a solution that could improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Do you think AI robotic companions like Jennie could provide genuine comfort and emotional support in your life or the life of a loved one? Why or why not? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

The Polestar 4 takes EV minimalism to the next level

Published

4 hours ago

November 7, 2025

Press Room

The Polestar 4 takes EV minimalism to the next level

Since the launch of its Polestar 2 sedan in 2021, Swedish EV company Polestar has launched two additional models: the spacious 3 compact crossover SUV, and now the 4, a sporty, even more compact crossover SUV. The 4 slotting in between the 2 and 3 in size may confound some consumers, but one of its features — or lack thereof — may confound them even more. It has no rear windshield.

Starting at $57,800, the 2026 Polestar 4 may have some mildly brain-twisting attributes, but I found it to be one of the most compelling and fun-to-drive EVs this year. It just took a little getting used to.

It just took a little getting used to.

Its core trait is its minimalistic and very Swedish exterior design. The 4’s muscular figure, unique headlights, and interesting body lines give it solid presence. But the real elephant in the room is no glass on the rear hatch, which no doubt makes it stick out on the road. The reasoning, though, is fairly straightforward: it’s the only way that Polestar could give a compact crossover SUV such a sleek figure without sacrificing rear-seat passenger head or legroom.

Mission accomplished; my lanky stature fit surprisingly well with the seat just slightly reclined, and cargo volume is a respectable 19 cubic feet,with a high floor for easy loading and unloading that expands to 54 with the rear seats down. Up front, head, leg, and shoulder room were excellent.

When it comes to tech and materials, there’s a 15.4-inch center touchscreen laid horizontally, a 10.2-inch digital gauge display, and a single physical knob in the center console for hitting play / pause and volume control. It may sound contradictory, but its Swedish minimalism is truly on full blast. Additionally, materials quality is solid, with substantial-feeling hard surfaces, negligible use of metal, and two types of opulent, synthetic woven materials comprising a large percentage of surface area. Finally, the infotainment software was logically laid out and easy to get used to, and sports custom lighting themes based on our solar system — this might be a subtle strategy for converting Tesla Model Y owners.

The Polestar 4 comes in two drivetrain configurations: single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive (tack on an additional $6,500 for this setup), with the former putting out 272 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, whereas the latter produces 544 and 506, respectively, and 0–60s clock in at 6.9 and 3.7 seconds. The sole battery available is a 400-volt lithium ion pack with 100kWh of usable capacity, and will DC fast charge up to 200kW. Range reaches 310 miles for the single-motor, whereas the dual-motor tops out at 280.

In standard dual-motor form, the 4’s ride quality was comfortable and steering was well weighted, though chassis response felt too sluggish for something marketed as a performance-oriented crossover. However, with Polestar’s $4,500 Performance Pack thrown in, adding performance-focused chassis tuning, Pirelli summer tires, and massive Brembo brake calipers, every input sharpened up nicely and with no sacrifice to ride quality.

Finally, the head-scratcher of the Polestar 4’s driving experience: the lack of a rear window. Normally, I’m not a fan of having a rear-facing camera fed into a screen in the rearview mirror, but the 4’s wasn’t too bad. The camera shifts slightly left or right with a corresponding turn signal swipe, and the side-view mirrors do a good job at minimizing blind spots.

Still, it felt odd to look over my right shoulder before changing lanes and, well, not see anything. And while Polestar personnel were particularly proud of the rear camera’s low-light resolution and performance in wet / wintry conditions, consumers’ mileage may vary depending on how icy and snow-laden their climates get.

Overall, the 2026 Polestar 4 is a unique and compelling luxury EV compact crossover with enough fun-to-drive panache to make a spirited driving enthusiast out of anyone. But in light of the federal government ending EV tax credits, is this the best time to debut a more niche, sporty EV crossover?

I asked Dean Shaw, PR and communications director for Polestar North America, what the company’s plan is. “We equate it to the December sales push. Sales slow down afterward in January, but then they start to slowly pick back up again,” he said. “We expect this month to be a complete reset, but then we expect sales to start building.”

He also pointed out that there are very few EV-only car brands; in light of other automakers backing off on their EV plans, he sees it as an opportunity for Polestar to really secure its place in the market. With the 4 sporting fun-to-drive personality, a heavy focus on design, and intuitive features throughout, he may be on to something. Even if there’s no glass behind the rear seats.

Photography by Peter Nelson

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Peter Nelson

Technology

Fox News AI Newsletter: Kim Kardashian blames ChatGPT for test failures

Published

4 hours ago

November 7, 2025

Press Room

Kim Kardashian blamed ChatGPT for making her fail law school tests “all the time.” (James Devaney/Getty Images)

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Kim Kardashian blames ChatGPT for making her fail multiple law school tests repeatedly
– Sheriff’s office tests America’s first self-driving police SUV
– Protecting kids from AI chatbots: What the GUARD Act means

BOT BLUNDER: Kim Kardashian is pointing the finger at ChatGPT after failing several law school exams.

‘SET THE STANDARD’: The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office recently announced a bold experiment that could redefine the future of law enforcement. The department introduced the Police Unmanned Ground Vehicle Patrol Partner, or PUG, which it claims is America’s first fully autonomous patrol vehicle.

SCREEN TIME’S UP: A new bipartisan bill introduced by Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., would bar minors (under 18) from interacting with certain AI chatbots. It taps into growing alarm about children using “AI companions” and the risks these systems may pose.

A girl looks at a smartphone in front of an indigo background.

Bipartisan lawmakers, including Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal, introduced the GUARD Act to protect minors from unregulated AI chatbots. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

EXPLOSIVE GROWTH: Moonfire Ventures founder Mattias Ljungman discusses rapid advancements in A.I., the robotics revolution and Tesla’s future on ‘Mornings with Maria.’

TECH TRIUMPH: Nvidia on Wednesday became the first company in history to reach a $5 trillion market valuation, marking meteoric growth driven by the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom.

Huang holding up a circuit board while giving a talk.

Nvidia became the first company in history to reach a $5 trillion market valuation, highlighting its rise from a video game graphics company into a force behind the AI revolution. (Annabelle Chih/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

ROBOTS VS WORKERS: What if Sen. Bernie Sanders is right and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is wrong? What if the AI revolution causes mass layoffs of American workers, as the Vermont senator warned in a recent Fox News op-ed? And what if Powell is wrong that the softening labor market is due primarily to supply issues — lower immigration and a lower labor participation rate — rather than AI-produced “efficiencies”?

MAN AND MACHINE: OutKick founder Clay Travis explains why he predicts sports will become ‘more popular’ amid the rise of A.I. and discusses his new book on ‘The Bottom Line.’

OFFICE REBOOT: Artificial intelligence is driving a surprising surge in office demand, according to Newmark’s Liz Hart, who says tech firms and startups are expanding their footprints rather than shrinking them in a return-to-office revival.

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

This article was written by Fox News staff.

Technology

The latest Blink Video Doorbell is over 50 percent off

Published

22 hours ago

November 6, 2025

Press Room

The latest Blink Video Doorbell is over 50 percent off

With Black Friday and the holiday season approaching, packages will start piling up, making now a good time to take steps to protect your doorstep from porch pirates. Thankfully, multiple retailers are already offering early Black Friday discounts on smart security devices to help you keep tabs on deliveries, with Amazon’s and Best Buy’s deal on the latest Blink Video Doorbell standing out at just $28.99 ($31 off) until 12AM ET on November 7th. You can also buy it with Blink’s Sync Module Core, which allows for on-demand live view, two-way audio, and improves battery life, for $34.99 ($35 off) at Amazon and Best Buy.

The latest Blink Video Doorbell simply builds on what already made its predecessor our top pick for a cheap video doorbell. The battery-powered doorbell still delivers all the essentials, including motion detection and night vision, and even the option to hardwire it. However, the new model now adds a sharper 1440p resolution — up from 1080p — and a 150-degree field of view with a 1:1 aspect ratio, which means you get a wider, head-to-toe view of packages and visitors on your porch.

The latest model also can distinguish people from pets, even sending alerts for visitors at your door if you pay the $3.99 monthly Blink subscription plan fee (or $39.99 a year). That subscription also gets you 60 days of cloud storage for recorded video, up to 90 minutes of continuous live view per session, and other advanced features.