AI Pets Debut at CES 2026, Redefining Digital Companionship

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a part of daily life, and a new wave of technology is transforming how people view companionship: AI pets. Unlike conventional smart devices designed for productivity, AI companion robots aim to provide presence, warmth, and emotional connection. They envision a future where machines do more than assist with tasks — they share moments, routines, and subtle expressions of affection.

At CES 2026, Japanese startup Ludens AI showcased this shift by unveiling two expressive companion robots named Cocomo and Inu. These creations suggest a future where digital companionship could feel as natural as living with a pet.

Ludens AI takes a unique approach, focusing not on robots that perform household chores but on machines that listen, respond, and build emotional bonds over time. Their philosophy is clear: AI companions do not need functional roles; they simply need to coexist with people.

Cocomo: A Warm, Mobile Robot Pet for Emotional Connection

Cocomo, the highlight of Ludens AI’s presentation, is an autonomous robot pet that follows its owner around the home. Featuring a wheeled base, ear-like decorations, and a soft, orange teddy-bear-like exterior, Cocomo is designed to be playful and approachable. Its body temperature is maintained close to human warmth, around 37°C normally and rising to 39°C when frequently touched, eliminating the typical cold and mechanical sensation associated with robots.

Instead of speaking, Cocomo communicates through gentle humming and soft sounds, enhancing its pet-like character. Over time, it learns what comforts and delights its owner, offering spontaneous gestures and surprises. Through interactions involving voice, touch, and movement, Cocomo builds a slow-growing emotional bond rather than instant fascination. Ludens AI describes it as a companion that evolves alongside daily life, remembering, imitating, and adapting to its owner.

Inu: A Minimalist Desktop Companion for Workspaces

In contrast, Inu is a smaller, stationary desktop companion designed for work environments. Marketed as a “desktop alien puppy,” Inu reacts to voice, touch, and nearby sounds with playful tail wags and expressive blinking eye animations. Though it does not move around, Inu provides a gentle emotional presence, serving as a comforting desk companion rather than a task-oriented assistant.

Both Cocomo and Inu embody Ludens AI’s belief that robots do not have to be traditionally useful; their value lies in being present, warm, and emotionally engaging. With crowdfunding campaigns planned later this year, these companions could soon be part of homes and offices.

A New Era of Emotional Technology

The introduction of Ludens AI’s robots marks a cultural shift from viewing machines purely as tools to recognising them as companions. As emotional AI advances, Cocomo and Inu point toward a future where companionship extends beyond humans and pets to include soft-spoken, expressive, and deeply personal robotic presence.