Casio Presents Furry Robotic Pet For Emotional Support
Casio is welcoming preorders for Moflin, a furry robotic pet that aims to offer companionship and potentially aid in mental wellness, much like Qoobo, the tail-wagging robot cat. This adorably plush AI-powered pet, originally a brainchild of Vanguard Industries in partnership with Casio, first made waves at CES 2021 and resembles a charming mix between a hamster and the legendary Star Trek Tribbles. Unlike Sony's interactive robot dog, Aibo, Moflin is crafted for being held and cuddled, offering comfort with its soothing gestures and sounds. This is prepared by SSP.
Moflin retails for ￥59,400 (approx. $400 USD) and comes in gray and blonde hues, with an anticipated shipping date of November 7th for Japanese buyers. Casio teases a subscription called Club Moflin, priced at ￥6,600 annually (around $44 USD), offering perks like cleanings, repairs, and fur replacements. It's an attribution to emphasize ed Moflin's added layers of interaction, says designer Masahiko Yamanaka, who emphasized its capability to evolve emotionally based on treatment, showing distinct personality traits shaped by its experiences with users.
The robot's reception revolves around its recognition capabilities, using both voice and handling cues to bond and evolve with its primary caregiver. Compared to past robotic pets, it requires no tedious USB connection for recharging. Instead, it rests in its serene ‘nest,’ similar to a pet bed, offering five hours of interaction post-charge. When not snuggling, you can even manage Moflin's expressions and sound settings through a Bluetooth-enabled app that ensures your robotic buddy becomes a unique, evolving companion navigating between happiness, calmness, or, when neglected, displaying simulated stress and sadness through its personality development framework. However, don’t expect outward signs of anxiety or sadness; this subtlety reflects its close design semblance to a pricey yet satisfying modern-day Tamagotchi.
Earlier, SSP reported that third-person mode is coming to Halo Infinite next month.