Source: TombotTo improve the quality of life for seniors and people living with dementia, a robotics company has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the development of a robot therapy dog.

Tombot, makers of the Tombot robotic companion puppy, recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a companion robot dog for seniors and for those living with dementia. Already surpassing its initial Kickstarter goal of $20,000, makers of the Tombot have enlisted Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to design the golden Labrador retriever to resemble a real dog.

Tombot barks, wags its tail and responds to touch while offering its companions emotional support, according to its Kickstarter campaign page. Robotic dogs reportedly have the same impact as their real counterparts, helping to reduce stress and anxiety particularly among dementia patients.

According to Tombot's Kickstarter page, “Studies show that robotic animal companions can reduce the need for psychotropic & antipsychotic meds by helping to reduce dementia behaviors. Tombot’s robotic emotional support animals are an invaluable tool for increasing social engagement, and for redirecting “challenging" behaviors."

Early backers of the robotic dog will pay $299 for Tombot. When it launches with an anticipated target date of August 2020, it will retail for $500.