New Litter-Robot Uses AI to Recognize Your Cat’s Unique Features
▼ Summary
– The Litter-Robot 5 Pro is Whisker’s newest self-cleaning litter box with facial recognition for cats and costs $899.
– Whisker introduced two other models: the camera-less Litter-Robot 5 for $799 and the budget-friendly Litter-Robot Evo for $599.
– The new models feature a redesigned control panel with an LCD display, improved odor control, and a larger waste bin.
– The main difference between the 5 and 5 Pro is that the Pro includes cameras and works with an RFID PetTag for pet identification.
– An optional Whisker Plus subscription at $7.99/month provides detailed data analysis and video footage of cat bathroom activities.
Whisker has unveiled its latest automated litter box, the Litter-Robot 5 Pro, which introduces facial recognition technology to identify individual cats. This high-tech addition aims to provide more precise health monitoring through an optional subscription called Whisker Plus. Alongside the Pro model, the company also released the camera-free Litter-Robot 5 and a more affordable Litter-Robot Evo, expanding its lineup of self-cleaning solutions for pet owners.
The Litter-Robot 5 Pro is priced at $899 and includes two AI-powered cameras equipped with night vision. One camera scans your cat’s face, while the other monitors waste deposits. For an additional $7.99 per month or $79.99 annually, the Whisker Plus subscription offers detailed analytics on your cat’s bathroom habits, tracking data trends to help spot potential health issues early.
Also new this week are the Litter-Robot 5, available for $799, and the Litter-Robot Evo, priced at $599. All three models are currently available for preorder on Whisker’s website and are scheduled to begin shipping on November 3. Each features a redesigned control panel with an LCD screen, reducing dependence on the companion app or blinking indicator lights. According to Whisker, the new 5 series models can distinguish between urine and solid waste, disposing of the latter more quickly to control odors. They also come with a larger waste drawer, meaning fewer trips to empty it.
A key distinction between the Litter-Robot 5 and 5 Pro is the Pro’s camera system and compatibility with the Whisker PetTag. This $29 RFID tag helps the unit differentiate between pets that look alike and functions as a digital ID with a scannable QR code to reunite lost cats with their owners. Both the 5 and 5 Pro support up to five cats, one more than the previous Litter-Robot 4.
The dual-camera setup, one for facial recognition and one aimed inside the litter bed, enables more accurate activity tracking and can alert owners to changes in their cat’s routine. Whisker Plus subscribers can also access and save video clips of their cat using the litter box.
Positioned as the most budget-friendly option, the Litter-Robot Evo costs $599 and is designed for households with up to two cats. It lacks certain premium features found in the Litter-Robot 4, such as automatic night lights or litter level sensors, but it does include the new LCD display. The Litter-Robot 4 remains available for $699.
All Whisker robots connect to the Whisker mobile app, allowing owners to start cleaning cycles remotely, receive usage notifications, and monitor each cat’s weight and activity. However, accessing in-depth daily insights, long-term behavior trends, and recorded video requires a Whisker Plus subscription.
Reviewers at The Verge plan to test these new models with their own cats to determine whether the integration of AI represents a meaningful step forward in pet wellness or an unnecessary technological intrusion.
(Source: The Verge)
