Casio has opened pre-orders for its robotic pet named Moflin which looks like a cross between a hamster and trip to the starsThe Tribbles. Unlike Sony's Aibo robot dog, which can follow you everywhere, Moflin is designed to be picked up and hugged, and over time, Casio says it will learn who you are and try to develop a simulated bond expressed through sounds and unique movements.
Originally developed through a collaboration with a Japanese startup called Cutting-edge industriesMoflin is now being manufactured and distributed by Casio. could be Pre-order for ¥59,400 (around $398 USD) and is expected to be available starting November 7. Casio also offers an optional subscription service called Club Moflin for ¥6,600 (about $44 USD) per year, which gives you a discount on repairs, cleanings, and even a full leather replacement. Accidents happen.
Casio's Moflin is not designed to be a toy like Sony's Aibo. It's intended to be more of a comforting companion and potentially a tool to help improve your mental well-being, similar to Qoobo, the headless robotic cat. While held, Moflin's limited head and body movements are supposed to make it look like the furry robot is trying to snuggle with you, and as with many devices debuting this year, there are some ai-powered features as well.
Moflin is supposed to learn to recognize the person who interacts with him the most through his voice and the way he handles the robot, and will respond with unique sounds and movements that are only expressed to that person to simulate a close bond.
The robot is also designed to develop its own simulated feelings and personality, which can change over time. With regular interactions, he will become happy, confident and calm. If ignored, you can become stressed, anxious and sad. But given the robot's limited emotional capabilities, it does not make sad sounds or show anxious movement to demonstrate those feelings. His emotional state can only be determined through an app, making him feel almost like an overpriced Tamagotchi, with no digital reward for being a diligent caregiver. The app can also be used to lower the volume of the sounds the robot makes.
To further enhance the illusion that Moflin is a living creature, instead of connecting a USB cable to it, it comes with a small bed that the robot appears to sleep on while it recharges. Casio estimates battery life on a full charge will be close to five hours, while a three-and-a-half-hour nap charge will have it ready to be your emotional support robot again.
