Casio debuts cute emotional support robot pets who grow personalities over time

[Marshy]

After helping people tell time and crunch numbers with watches and calculators, Casio is unexpectedly offering some emotional support with Moflin, a furry AI-powered companion meant to provide owners with the comfort of a living pet without the need for kibble or litter boxes.

 

Moflin, which resembles an adorable critter without the ears, comes equipped with advanced AI that allows it to develop a unique personality based on interactions with its owner. It’s designed to be cuddled and held, bringing a sense of warmth into the digital age.

 

 

The pet robot’s programming allows it to form a bond with its owner by recognizing voices, gestures, and affectionate actions like petting or hugging. Over time, it learns which interactions its owner enjoys and mimics those behaviors, creating a deeper emotional connection.

 

 

With over four million possible personality combinations, no two Moflins will be exactly alike and each develops in its own way, responding to care with special sounds and gestures that it reserves just for its owner.

 

 

The more attention Moflin receives, the more it thrives, offering soothing companionship in return.

 

 

Owners can use the accompanying MofLife app to monitor the creature’s emotions, track its moods with visual animations, and view interaction patterns over time. This app helps users understand how to improve their relationship with their robotic pet, encouraging thoughtful engagement.

 

 

Moflin’s battery life clocks in at five hours, with a 3.5-hour recharge time. However, at a suggested retail price of 59,400 yen (approximately USD$398), it’s lower maintenance than caring for a living pet. Casio even offers a ‘Club Moflin’ membership service, providing discounts on “hospitalization” (repairs) and fur care.

 

The official release of Moflin is set for November 7, and it will be available in two fur colors—gold and silver. 

 

 

 

• https://www.popsci.com/technology/casio-moflin-ai-pet/ 
• https://www.t3.com/tech/casio-has-made-a-robot-guinea-pig-and-its-as-cute-as-heck 
• https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/casio-launches-ai-powered-furry-robot-pet-that-wants-to-replace-your-dog 

 

 

Images: Casio