Jennie the artificial intelligence-powered robotic dog is designed to provide comfort and companionship to those with mental health 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. 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.

Side by side, four young cousins chat with their grandmother via a video link. 'What's your favourite sport?' one of them asks Marina Smith as she reclines in a comfy armchair in her Nottinghamshire home. 'It used to be tennis and hockey and I am also very interested in horse-jumping,' the 87-year-old replies, before adding: 'But I don't ride a horse!' The response elicits a chuckle from her grandchildren who continue to talk about her likes and dislikes, as well as enquiring what it's like to be a grandparent. Several weeks before this perfectly natural-looking inter-generational conversation took place, Mrs Smith had passed away.

According to AARP, almost 90 percent of seniors would like to stay in their home as they age. This idea of aging in place -- growing older where you already live, typically not in a health-care environment -- continues to be a popular choice among seniors able to live without a lot of assistance. However, as this population ages in homes that haven't been designed for their lifestyles, there are considerable risks to elderly people's health and safety. Many seniors aging in place may not have access to caretakers or health-care professionals on a day-to-day basis. Accidents and falls are a major concern for people living alone.

Three weeks ago, Yukai Engineering wrapped up a successful Kickstarter campaign in which it raised approximately $110,000 for the Qoobo, which is a pillow with a robotic cat tail that responds to physical interaction with the user. Now, interested buyers in the US and Japan can pre-order the Qoobo for expected delivery in fall 2018. The US price is $89 per pillow. The Qoobo was originally developed after a staff member was unable to keep a beloved cat. The company aimed to create a pillow that could provide comfort to that similar of what a cat or dog would.