Pets feature big in this year’s CES (IoST) stakes

I really don’t know how we survive the full year between CES events in the USA because every year we are inundated with fabulous gadgets and apps for pets that we absolutely need for survival in this digital age. Some, however, could qualify for our Internet of Silly Things (IoST) awards.

Take this year’s top picks for pet lovers, starting with an automated indoor toilet for your dog. According to the developers, INUBOX knows when your dog steps on the platform and detects any waste left behind. Once your dog is away, the station closes the platform and starts the cleaning cycle in less than one minute, opening again to be used if needed. All solid and liquid materials are passed through a solidifying process and contained in a closed bag. Once full, it delivers a sealed bag for disposal. 

You should be able to place orders very shortly on Kickstarter but I’m guessing the big challenge will training your dog to use the thing!

Cat lovers won’t be left out either because PurrSong debuted a new smart cat litter box dubbed the LavvieBot, This will automatically clean itself and refill the litter. LavvieBot’s developers worked for years to determine why other existing products often lead to malfunction, or leave behind waste during cleaning or leave an odor. LavvieBot’s patented rotating rake mechanism is designed to eliminate this issue.

Once the cat has left the machine, the separator scoops waste into the drawer at the interval of your choice (20 minutes to 1 hour). By focusing the rotational force of the motor onto the separator, LavvieBot’s mechanism demonstrates exceptional cleaning ability, preventing breakage and causing little noise and it refills litter from its 6.5L extra storage after cleaning, maintaining a fresh bed of litter for your cat every time.

The designers have thought of everything! Indented buttons prevent cats from pressing them. LavvieBot also uses 3 separate sensors to recognize each cat and ensure its safety. If a cat were to enter during the auto-clean cycle, LavvieBot’s front infrared sensor would detect its entry and safely retract the separator. The expertly designed entrance helps keep your house litter-free by letting residual litter fall from cats’ toes as they jump out. Oh, and it comes with its own app that sends you personalized messages from your cat to let you know when it needs attention!