A Californian start-up has raised $8m in seed funding to develop a robot that uses machine learning and computer vision to train dogs.

Companion has built a device that makes it easier for pet owners to engage and train their dog at home. The device uses computer vision combined with machine learning to detect and analyse precisely dogs’ movements and behaviour.

Using positive reinforcement techniques, and its proprietary data and algorithms, it rewards the dog for desired behaviour such as sit, down, stay and recall. Given Companion brings infinite patience and consistency to practicing positive behaviour, pet owners have the assurance that their dog will maintain this behaviour over time.

Altogether, the dog’s experience with Companion refines trained behaviour into consistent and repeatable actions and serves as a foundation for the integrated coaching service.

“The Companion is the first step in creating more understanding with all of the animals around us,” said John Honchariw, Companion CEO. “We know understanding inherently drives empathy. We help enable and foster extraordinarily deep bonds with the dogs we love, and this is just the start.”

By training basic obedience skills, Companion teaches independence and confidence and offers engaging activities for the dog. As pet owners return to work following Covid, they need proven ways to engage their dog when they’re not at home and feel confident leaving their dogs.

The $8m funding comes from institutional investors and VCs along with pet companies and charities. Participating investors include IA Ventures, Tuesday Capital, Frog Design, Companion Fund, Mars Petcare, Michelson Found Animals Foundation, Wheelhouse Partners, PetStock and Central Garden & Pet. The funding will be used to continue rolling out the device and coaching service to early adopters.

“The Companion service is exactly what dog owners who are returning to the office need,” said Patrick Gallagher, managing partner at Tuesday Capital. “The pandemic has brought about unprecedented dog adoption rates and, as the world begins to move back to normal, those dogs are going to need a Companion to stay at home with them.”

Ethan Imboden, vice president at Frog, added: “Our collaboration is the result of a longstanding interest in Companion’s progress, and a deep conviction in the team and their vision. With their technology, the Companion team is enabling a new depth of connection between humans and animals. We’ve been thrilled to have the opportunity to both enrich this relationship and strengthen the company through design.”

The technology has been privately offered in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2018 and will begin shipping to select early adopters throughout 2021.

The Companion team includes technologists, animal welfare experts, researchers and entrepreneurs. It has partnered with experts such as Mars Petcare and the San Francisco SPCA.