RoboKitty is an interactive cat toy prototype designed for two kinds of users: cats and their humans. It aims to keep indoor cats stimulated when their humans are busy or away, while encouraging more playtime when they’re home.

Throughout the day, RoboKitty periodically wiggles a dangling mouse toy to spark a cat’s curiosity. A sensor in the mouse registers taps and translates play activity into colors on the front display. Red signals that the cat hasn’t played recently and may need stimulation, while green indicates regular activity. These visual cues remind humans to get out a treat or toy and spend some playful time with their cat.

The objective is not to outsource play, but to invite more of it. The top half of RoboKitty doubles as a storage box for additional cat toys, while its portable design means it can be moved around the house, keeping cats curious as they discover it in new locations.

Powered by Arduino, RoboKitty’s design is centered on feline behavior and needs, incorporating interactions for humans to help them become more attentive to their cats.

How it works

1. Color-coded activity: The display progresses through color levels from purple to green, reflecting the cat’s play activity.

2. Tracking play: Five taps within a set timeframe advance the display to the next color. Three play sessions in a day turn the display green.

3. Tease Mode: After an extended period with no play, RoboKitty activates randomized movements of the mouse to entice the cat back.

4. Celebrating play: Once the display reaches green, the human can press RoboKitty’s nose button to trigger a rainbow light sequence and reset the play counter.

The project was developed in collaboration with Tehreem Raheel for Creating Tangible Interfaces in SUPSI’s MA in Interaction Design led by Lorenzo Romagnoli and Marco Lurati (2025).

Role: Concept, programming, visual design, user testing

Tech stack: Arduino, LED display, servomotor, motion sensor