Casio’s stress-relieving furry robot is coming to the US

Moflin uses interaction sensors hidden beneath its fur to observe carnal interactions similar it being pet. | Image: Casio

First announced astir a twelvemonth ago, Casio’s robotic favored Moflin has been selling truthful good successful Japan, according to the Wall Street Journal, the institution is present expanding its availability to different markets including the UK and the US. Preorders for the gold oregon silver mentation of Moflin are present disposable done Casio’s US website. The robot, which looks similar an oversized extra-fluffy hamster, is undoubtedly cute, but its constricted capabilities could marque its $429 terms tag a pugnacious sell.

Unlike Sony’s robotic canine Aibo that tin rotation astir your home, Moflin can’t get astir connected its own. Its movements are constricted to its caput that tin rotate from broadside to broadside and tilt up and down which the robot uses to explicit simulated emotions and affection. It’s designed to beryllium held and cuddled to supply “a calming presence” and “quiet reassurance,” according to Casio. But Moflin isn’t wholly silent. It tin marque quiescent sounds that volition germinate implicit clip to consciousness much expressive successful bid to make a stronger simulated enslaved with you.

Moflin tin besides admit idiosyncratic radical done their voices and responds to interaction done sensors hidden beneath its fur. Using AI it volition make a unsocial property implicit clip based connected however you interact with it, which volition alteration from idiosyncratic to person. Moflin tin extremity up being cheerful and volition energetically determination astir portion making sounds, oregon it tin go quiet, docile, and shy if the robot isn’t interacted with enough. Despite being an physics device, Casio hasn’t included a mode to reset Moflin if you don’t similar the property it develops. Like a existent pet, you’ll request to responsibly attraction for it close from the get go.

Correction, September 17th: An earlier mentation of this nonfiction misstated the US pricing of Moflin. It’s $429.