International media highlight UC robotic pets
WIRED, Earth.com, other national and local outlets share news of redesigned AI dog
University of Cincinnati researcher Claudia B. Rebola is working with students from UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning and College of Engineering and Applied Science to improve upon an existing line of robotic pets for seniors. Redesigning elements of Ageless Innovation's Joy For All Companion Pets, the team is adding new elements to make the robotic dog look and feel more authentic while providing care capabilities, such as monitoring a user's vitals.
The story has been picked up by media outlets across the globe, including WIRED and Earth.com.
News media coverage
- WIRED: "Grandma, why don't you get a robot?"
- Earth.com: Video of the Day: Robotic pets help older adults with social interaction
- Senior Living News: UC Team’s High-tech Pets to Help Seniors
- Science & Enterprise: Next Generation Robotic Pets in Development
- McKnight's Senior Living: Robotic pets soon may offer care in addition to comfort
- News Medical: Robotic pets designed to care for older adults
- Cincinnati CityBeat: University of Cincinnati Students Enhance Robot Dogs to Help Senior Citizens
- ScienMag: High-Tech Pets Designed To Care For Seniors
- Fox19: University of Cincinnati Robo Pets
- WCPO: Pets of the Future
- Local 12: UC students help design robotic pet companions for seniors
- WVXU: UC Students Working To Purr-fect Robotic Companions
Related Stories
The future, decoded. UC scholars reveal what’s next
May 20, 2026
The University of Cincinnati’s NEXT Innovation Scholars presented Gen Z-fueled insights on possible future trends at the Futures Forum 2026. Here’s what they see ahead.
Materials scientist gains valuable research experience
May 20, 2026
The opportunities at the College of Engineering and Applied Science are what attracted Ananth Balasubramanian to the University of Cincinnati. He came to UC as a master's student and after two years, transitioned to a direct PhD program in materials science and engineering. Here, he works in the Digital Fabrication Laboratory and recently was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by CEAS.
Engineering alumnus instrumental in NASA Artemis mission
May 19, 2026
Space, rockets, and NASA have been a lifelong fascination for John McCullough '89. He was inspired after watching the moon landing as a child and learning about aerospace engineering. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in aerospace engineering and has worked at NASA for more than 36 years. He has played key roles in many missions including Artemis I and the most recent Artemis II.