> At a Glance
> – PePeHola smart ball lets owners play with dogs remotely via Wi-Fi
> – Beta version spotted at CES 2026, launching soon on Kickstarter
> – Controlled by mobile app or Wi-Fi remote from anywhere in the world
> – Why it matters: Long-distance pet interaction becomes possible for busy or traveling owners
A hamster-ball-sized rubber toy on the CES 2026 floor promised something previously impossible: real-time playtime with a dog thousands of miles away.
Remote Play in Real Time
The PePeHola S1 interactive ball connects to home Wi-Fi and responds instantly to commands sent through its app or bundled remote. A demonstrator told Daniel J. Whitman she works in China while her two dogs stay in Korea, yet she can still roll, tease and chase with them as though she were in the living room.
- Durable rubber shell survives chewing, nudging and wrestling
- Live video feedback shows the dog’s reaction in the app
- Range limited only by internet connection, not geography
Simple Setup, Big Impact
Unlike flashy tech demos, the system impressed with quiet practicality: tap a control and the ball shifts direction; the dog perks up, tail wagging, convinced its human is right there. The designer says setup takes minutes-connect ball to Wi-Fi, pair with app, start playing.
| Control Option | Range | Latency |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile app | Global | <1 s |
| Wi-Fi remote | Global | <1 s |
The price and exact Kickstarter launch date were not disclosed, but the beta program is already running with early testers.
Key Takeaways
- First affordable consumer gadget to close the distance gap between owners and pets
- Works across continents with existing home Wi-Fi
- Could ease separation anxiety for dogs and guilt for owners
- Kickstarter campaign starts soon after CES
For anyone who travels for work or lives far from their pet, PePeHola turns absence into active playtime.
