New AI Companion Helps Pets Feel Less Lonely

AI Steps Into Pet Emotional Care
A new AI-powered companion robot is aiming to change how pet owners care for dogs and cats when they’re home alone. Tuya Smart has unveiled Aura, an intelligent robot designed to monitor pets’ behavior, respond to emotional cues and provide interaction beyond basic feeding or surveillance.

Why Emotional Support Matters for Pets
Many pets experience stress, anxiety or loneliness when routines change or owners are away for long stretches. Subtle signs — like reduced play, hiding or excessive grooming — can signal emotional distress. Aura uses AI trained to recognize movements, sounds and behavior patterns, allowing it to identify changes in a pet’s mood and alert owners in real time.

How Aura Engages Pets at Home
Unlike stationary pet cameras, Aura actively moves through the home. It interacts with pets using laser play, treat dispensing, simulated pet sounds and expressive animated eyes. The robot is designed to initiate engagement on its own, turning quiet hours into moments of stimulation, play and reassurance rather than isolation.

Staying Connected From Anywhere
Aura also captures everyday moments — from playful bursts to peaceful naps — using AI pet recognition and tracking. These clips are automatically turned into short videos, helping owners stay emotionally connected to their pets even when they’re away. The system can also provide insights into long-term behavior trends, making it easier to spot potential health or stress issues early.

Smart Navigation and Self-Charging
With advanced navigation technology, Aura moves autonomously, avoids obstacles and returns to its charging dock when needed. This allows it to remain active throughout the day without constant human oversight.

A Glimpse of What’s Next
While Aura is built for pets, the technology behind it points toward broader applications, including elder care and home monitoring. By focusing first on pets — an emotionally resonant starting point — Tuya is testing how AI-driven emotional awareness could reshape everyday life at home.