The future of companionship might just come with synthetic fur and a battery pack. At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025), some of the biggest buzz wasn’t around smartphones or smart cars—it was about something smaller, fluffier, and far more emotionally intelligent: robot pets. From quirky desk companions to sophisticated therapeutic animals, AI-driven pets dominated the expo, offering a glimpse into how robotics is redefining the meaning of “man’s best friend.”
Among the most talked-about debuts was Sparky, an energetic, lifelike robotic dog developed by Chinese tech firm Hengbot. Unlike the clunky robo-pups of a decade ago, Sparky moves with impressive realism, bouncing and tilting its head in ways that eerily mimic a real dog. The robot’s agility was made possible by advanced servo motors and motion algorithms, which drew praise from TechRadar as some of the most natural they’d seen in a robotic companion to date.
Then came Ropet, perhaps the most viral robot pet of the year. Created by a Japanese startup and powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT API, Ropet is a soft, palm-sized plush creature designed to sit on a desk and interact with its owner throughout the day. What makes Ropet unique is not just its blinking LED eyes or its subtle sound effects, but the emotional nuance in its behavior. Ropet’s sensors pick up voice tones, hand gestures, and even eye contact. If you ignore it for too long, it gets “sad.” If you talk to it regularly, it becomes more responsive and cheerful. According to Forbes, the developers aimed to create a companion that responds to human behavior with increasing complexity over time, mimicking the emotional learning curve of a real pet.
While some robotic pets targeted novelty and fun, others tackled more serious needs. Jennie, a robotic golden retriever developed by Tombot, made headlines for its role in elder care and therapy. Designed specifically for people living with dementia or cognitive challenges, Jennie features realistic fur, warm body temperature, and responsive movements. She can nuzzle your hand, wag her tail, and even mimic breathing. Jennie is the result of clinical research in collaboration with UCLA and is seeking FDA approval as a Class II medical device.
Quirkier entries also had their moment in the spotlight. One such product was Mirumi, a sloth-like robotic companion designed to cling to your backpack or purse and shyly react to nearby people. Created by Yukai Engineering, Mirumi avoids eye contact, peeks out from under its “fur,” and exhibits bashful behavior based on proximity sensors. While it might sound strange, CES attendees described Mirumi as oddly endearing and refreshingly different from the more expressive bots on the floor.
What’s driving this robotic pet boom is more than just novelty. Experts point to a post-pandemic world where isolation, smaller living spaces, and changing lifestyles have created a demand for companionship without the traditional responsibilities of pet ownership. Robopets offer connection, empathy, and even humor, with none of the allergens, vet bills, or 3 a.m. bathroom runs. For seniors in assisted living, children in apartments, or professionals working from home, these AI-powered creatures are both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
The price points are as varied as the products themselves. Jennie, being a therapeutic robot, retails for over $1,000 and is aimed at clinical buyers and caregiving institutions. Ropet is expected to launch at $299, appealing to office workers, urban dwellers, and tech enthusiasts. Meanwhile, simpler robot pets with limited interactivity—like the battery-powered plush puppies found on Amazon—start as low as $29 and remain popular among children and gift shoppers. These simpler bots can walk, bark, wag their tails, and even follow you around the room using basic infrared sensors.
Looking ahead, experts predict even more advanced iterations of these companions. The next generation of robopets may integrate deeper AI personality modeling, speech-to-emotion recognition, and autonomous behavioral learning. Some companies are already developing cloud-connected pets that evolve with software updates, allowing them to gain “memories” and adapt to their owners’ habits over time. Others, like Tombot, are advocating for medical certification pathways, seeing these devices as future pillars in eldercare and mental health support.
The robot pet trend at CES 2025 is more than a cute gimmick. It’s a glimpse into how technology can comfort, connect, and cohabitate with us in surprisingly meaningful ways. Whether it’s a desk buddy that pouts when ignored or a soft-furred retriever easing the symptoms of dementia, the robopets of today are building the emotional frameworks for how we might live with machines tomorrow.
Bella Richardson is a dedicated journalist and news analyst known for her clear, thoughtful reporting and her ability to make complex stories accessible to a broad audience. With a Master of Science in Mass Communication, she brings both academic insight and real-world experience to her coverage of breaking news and trending topics throughout the United States.
