Tuya Unveils Aura: AI-Powered Pet Companion Robot at CES 2026
Tuya Smart, a leading global provider of AI cloud platform services, officially introduced Aura—its first AI-driven robotic companion for pets—at CES 2026, the world’s premier consumer technology exhibition.
Pets play an essential emotional role in people’s lives, yet their own emotional well-being is frequently underestimated. Subtle behavioral shifts—such as hiding, excessive licking, or a sudden lack of interest in food—can be early indicators of stress or discomfort rather than harmless quirks.
Studies indicate that extended periods of isolation may cause pets to develop anxiety, low mood, or behavioral challenges. While conventional smart pet devices can automate tasks like feeding or surveillance, they rarely address the emotional dimension of pet care. Animals require more than basic maintenance—they need interaction, understanding, and companionship. This realization inspired Tuya to create Aura.
A Thoughtful, AI-Powered “Pet Butler”
At the Tuya exhibition space during CES 2026, Aura quickly became a focal point for attendees. Built on key components such as a voice-enabled IPC module, interactive feeding and play systems, robotic movement, and an integrated feeding-and-charging base, Aura combines multiple generative AI technologies. This allows it to adapt to various roles and introduces a new standard for intelligent pet companionship.
Translating Pet Emotions
By analyzing behavior patterns and vocal cues, Aura can assess a pet’s emotional condition—whether they are calm, excited, lonely, or uneasy. These insights are delivered to owners in real time through a mobile app, helping them stay emotionally connected with their pets even when they are away.
An Engaging, Responsive Play Partner
Aura offers a range of interactive features, including laser games, treat release, simulated animal sounds, animated facial expressions, and voice-based interaction. Designed to feel warm and responsive, it replaces impersonal gadgets with a companion that encourages emotional engagement and play.
A Smart “Family Photographer”
Using AI-based pet recognition and motion tracking, Aura captures special moments automatically—whether it’s a burst of playful energy, a quiet nap, or a cute interaction. It can also compile these moments into short video clips, enabling owners to save memories and deepen their bond with their pets.
A Mobile Home Companion
Equipped with V-SLAM navigation, dual-camera vision, and AIVI object recognition, Aura navigates the home independently, actively seeking out pets for interaction. When its battery runs low, it returns to its dock on its own, ensuring continuous companionship without interruption.
A Gateway to Local Pet Services
Beyond in-home interaction, Aura connects users to Tuya’s broad developer ecosystem and local lifestyle service network. Through this integration, owners can access services such as smart pet boarding, veterinary care, behavioral training, grooming, customization options, and community engagement—creating a comprehensive ecosystem centered on pet well-being.
Bringing Physical AI Into Everyday Life
Aura represents a shift in pet technology, introducing a new generation of AI companions designed to operate seamlessly within daily environments through awareness, initiative, and emotional intelligence. Its capabilities also position it within the emerging home service robotics space, offering a scalable platform that can extend into areas like elder care, home supervision, and family connection.
Unveiled at CES 2026, Aura underscores Tuya’s strength in AI and robotics innovation and reflects its long-term vision for intelligent living. Looking ahead, Tuya aims to further embed AI across diverse hardware formats—creating technology that not only performs tasks efficiently but also feels genuinely companionable in everyday life.
Pets play an essential emotional role in people’s lives, yet their own emotional well-being is frequently underestimated. Subtle behavioral shifts—such as hiding, excessive licking, or a sudden lack of interest in food—can be early indicators of stress or discomfort rather than harmless quirks.
Studies indicate that extended periods of isolation may cause pets to develop anxiety, low mood, or behavioral challenges. While conventional smart pet devices can automate tasks like feeding or surveillance, they rarely address the emotional dimension of pet care. Animals require more than basic maintenance—they need interaction, understanding, and companionship. This realization inspired Tuya to create Aura.
A Thoughtful, AI-Powered “Pet Butler”
At the Tuya exhibition space during CES 2026, Aura quickly became a focal point for attendees. Built on key components such as a voice-enabled IPC module, interactive feeding and play systems, robotic movement, and an integrated feeding-and-charging base, Aura combines multiple generative AI technologies. This allows it to adapt to various roles and introduces a new standard for intelligent pet companionship.
Translating Pet Emotions
By analyzing behavior patterns and vocal cues, Aura can assess a pet’s emotional condition—whether they are calm, excited, lonely, or uneasy. These insights are delivered to owners in real time through a mobile app, helping them stay emotionally connected with their pets even when they are away.
An Engaging, Responsive Play Partner
Aura offers a range of interactive features, including laser games, treat release, simulated animal sounds, animated facial expressions, and voice-based interaction. Designed to feel warm and responsive, it replaces impersonal gadgets with a companion that encourages emotional engagement and play.
A Smart “Family Photographer”
Using AI-based pet recognition and motion tracking, Aura captures special moments automatically—whether it’s a burst of playful energy, a quiet nap, or a cute interaction. It can also compile these moments into short video clips, enabling owners to save memories and deepen their bond with their pets.
A Mobile Home Companion
Equipped with V-SLAM navigation, dual-camera vision, and AIVI object recognition, Aura navigates the home independently, actively seeking out pets for interaction. When its battery runs low, it returns to its dock on its own, ensuring continuous companionship without interruption.
A Gateway to Local Pet Services
Beyond in-home interaction, Aura connects users to Tuya’s broad developer ecosystem and local lifestyle service network. Through this integration, owners can access services such as smart pet boarding, veterinary care, behavioral training, grooming, customization options, and community engagement—creating a comprehensive ecosystem centered on pet well-being.
Bringing Physical AI Into Everyday Life
Aura represents a shift in pet technology, introducing a new generation of AI companions designed to operate seamlessly within daily environments through awareness, initiative, and emotional intelligence. Its capabilities also position it within the emerging home service robotics space, offering a scalable platform that can extend into areas like elder care, home supervision, and family connection.
Unveiled at CES 2026, Aura underscores Tuya’s strength in AI and robotics innovation and reflects its long-term vision for intelligent living. Looking ahead, Tuya aims to further embed AI across diverse hardware formats—creating technology that not only performs tasks efficiently but also feels genuinely companionable in everyday life.
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