# GPS Dog Hats Volkswagen's 'Connected Dog' Concept Helps Pets Become Autonomous, Safely By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-03-22 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connected-dog References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2016/03/connected-dog-can-walk-itself-volkswagen-campaign-cap.html) & [achtung.prezly](http://achtung.prezly.com/who-let-the-dogs-out-volkswagen-just-did) 'Connected Dog' is a concept from Volkswagen that outfits pets with a GPS for location monitoring, a camera and voice controls so that they are able to take themselves for a walk safely. The idea builds off of the idea that using the Volkswagen app allows a driver to take control of their car. Similarly, this quirky concept gives pet owners the same level of control over their pets. When this Connected Dog helmet is placed on a dog, the pet's owner is able to watch from afar. When a dog reaches a stoplight, or any other destination, they are able to give out appropriate commands that a well-trained dog should be able to heed. While this concept is likely to remain just so for the time being, there are a number of smart collars and other connected pet devices that are beginning to emerge. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 61% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/pets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Connected Pet Devices:** The emergence of smart collars and other connected pet devices presents opportunities for innovative solutions in pet care and monitoring. - **Autonomous Pet Technology:** Developing technologies that enable pets to have more autonomy, such as GPS-enabled helmets and voice-controlled devices, can revolutionize the way pets are cared for and interact with their environment. - **Remote Pet Monitoring:** Advancements in GPS and camera technology for pets allow owners to remotely monitor their pets' activities, opening up opportunities for remote pet care services and solutions. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Pet Care:** The pet care industry can leverage connected pet devices and autonomous pet technology to enhance pet owners' ability to monitor and care for their pets. - **Technology and Gadgets:** The technology and gadgets industry can capitalize on the demand for innovative pet devices by developing and marketing smart collars, GPS-enabled helmets, and other tech-driven pet products. - **App and Software Development:** App and software developers can create mobile applications and platforms that integrate with connected pet devices, enabling pet owners to easily monitor and interact with their pets from a distance. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Connected Pet Care Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pingpong-pet-system.md) - [Illuminated Geolocation Pet Harnesses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-dog-harness.md) - [Pet-Focused SUV Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genesis-x-dog.md) - [GPS-Enabled Dog Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pitpat.md) - [Virtual Dog Leashes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heel-roam-350.md) - [Biometric GPS Canine Collars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invoxia-smart-dog-collar.md) - [GPS Pet Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petcube-gps-tracker.md) - [AI-Driven Dog Collars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aidriven-dog-collars.md) - [Connective Canine Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dog-park-app.md)