A game console for dogs?

Electronics have been keeping humans occupied in their spare time for decades now, so it was only a matter of time before the effect rubbed off on man’s best friend as well.

Start-up company CleverPet has released the CleverPet Hub — an adaptive, connected dog game console and feeder that challenges dogs to solve puzzles with lights, sounds and touch pads. Developed in partnership with Outerspace Design, it seeks to address the boredom and frustration dogs feel while their owners are out of the house. It also follows the advice of studies showing that dogs that work for their food over the course of a day are happier and more engaged than those who receive it in one daily portion.

The interactive feeder uses sounds and illuminated touch pads to present mental puzzles and automatically rewards pets with food treats for successful completion of a task. Smart, upgradeable software monitors each dog’s progress and can increase the level of complexity of the visual puzzles as the dog progresses.

The CleverPet Hub was designed to feel at home in various environments. The dog-proof housing is durable and easy to maintain, and doesn’t distract from the game interface. The product’s robust mechatronics are also compatible with a wide variety of dry dog food shapes and sizes.