San Francisco-based startup Sphinx plans to launch a new AI-powered device in late 2024 in response to America’s growing cat obesity problem.
Incredibly, 61% of cats nationwide are overweight or obese, leading to a variety of health complications. Founded by local entrepreneur Grant Barnekow, Sphinx aims to leverage the technological power of Silicon Valley to solve often-overlooked health epidemics.
“Our goal is to bring cutting-edge technology to pet care,” Barnekow explained in an interview with the San Francisco Post. “We are combining AI, precision engineering, and nutritional science to create solutions that benefit both pets and their owners.”
The Sphynx feeder, which Barnekow dubbed the “Keurig for wet cat food,” boasts several innovative features. Prevent overfeeding with AI-powered portion control, customizable feeding schedules that match your cat’s natural behavior, and intake tracking for proactive health monitoring. Cats are picky eaters, so the Sphynx has a built-in refrigeration function to keep food fresh and a heating function to enhance its taste.
This device works with its own food pods that contain veterinarian-approved recipes. In honor of sustainability and consumer choice, Sphynx also offers reusable pods for owners who wish to use their own cat food.
This announcement comes at a time when the pet technology industry is experiencing significant growth, with investors around the world increasingly interested in innovative pet care solutions. Sphinx has already secured significant seed funding from prominent Bay Area investors.
Sphinx plans to initially target major urban markets across the U.S. that have high rates of indoor cat ownership. Pricing details have not yet been announced, but Barnekow assures that the company aims to make the product available to a wide range of pet owners.
With its innovative approach to common pet health issues, Sphinx represents the San Francisco startup’s continued trend of applying technology solutions to everyday problems. It remains to be seen whether this AI-powered feeder is actually the solution to feline obesity, but it’s certainly a notable step in the evolution of pet care technology.
For more information and updated information, please visit www.sphinxcatfeeder.com.
*San Francisco Weekly’s newsroom and editorial department were not involved in the creation of this content.
