AI Robot Aura Keeps Pets Happy When Home Alone

Millions of pet owners worry about leaving their cats and dogs home alone all day, wondering if their furry friends are anxious, bored, or lonely. A new AI-powered robot called Aura wants to change that by becoming an active companion that plays, interacts, and even reads your pet's emotional state.

Tuya Smart unveiled Aura at CES 2025, designed specifically for household pets who spend long hours by themselves. The robot uses artificial intelligence to recognize pet behaviors, movements, and vocal cues in real time.

Unlike static pet cameras or automatic feeders, Aura moves around the home looking for opportunities to engage. It shoots laser beams for playful chase sessions, dispenses treats as rewards, and makes simulated pet sounds paired with animated eyes that feel more lifelike than mechanical.

The emotional intelligence sets Aura apart from other pet tech. The robot listens for changes in sound patterns and watches for shifts in behavior, then determines whether your pet feels excited, anxious, lonely, or relaxed. It sends these emotional updates directly to your phone, helping you spot potential problems before they become serious.

When a dog stops playing or a cat hides and grooms excessively, those small changes often signal stress or anxiety. Aura catches these moments during the quiet stretches when no one else is home.

The robot also acts as your personal pet photographer. Using AI recognition and intelligent tracking, Aura automatically captures everyday highlights like playful bursts, calm naps, and funny interactions, then turns them into short shareable videos.

Navigation technology helps Aura move freely through the home while avoiding obstacles. When its battery runs low, the robot returns to its feeding and charging dock on its own.

The Ripple Effect

Aura connects to a broader ecosystem of pet care services including smart boarding, health monitoring, behavior training, and grooming. This turns the robot into a central hub that can evolve with your pet's changing needs over time.

While Tuya designed Aura for pets first, the underlying technology could eventually expand to elder care, home monitoring, and family connectivity. Starting with the emotional use case of lonely pets gives the company a clear foundation while developing home robotics for the future.

Tuya has not announced pricing or a release date yet, though those details should emerge closer to the consumer launch. For pet owners who struggle with guilt about leaving their companions home alone, Aura offers a way to stay connected and provide real interaction throughout the day.