Casio’s fluffy AI robot has made its way into my heart

There is thin A robot, about the size of a guinea pig, sits on my couch, squeaking. My friend’s dog Willie sits watching him, questioning his every move.

Moflin is an artificial intelligence companion robot made by Japanese electronics company Casio. Via the companion app, I chose to name this product Puff, because – well – that’s what it looks like. Willy immediately registered it as something to be wary of, a device that moved on its own but was not alive. The murmur squeaks again. Willie barks, then runs out of the room growling.

When I found out that Casio — yes, the same Casio company that makes watches — had made an AI-powered pet robot, I thought I was exactly the kind of person it was made for. I’ve always loved animals, but my current landlord doesn’t allow any pets on the premises except for her yelping dog, so I have no pets. And I also watched toy story Often as a child, which means I tend to anthropomorphize inanimate objects that aren’t supposed to have feelings or consciousness.

Robotic pets have already become a full-fledged thing, and Moflin has been a huge hit in Japan since launching there a year ago. It’s a soft, furry robot that uses artificial intelligence capabilities to react to sounds and touch, and develops its own unique personality as a result. (There are more than 4 million personality traits, according to Casio.) Like other companion dolls, the devices are intended for potential pet owners or anyone who likes a cute creature to hang around. Think of it like a Lapopo or a Furby, without the prominent (terrifying) facial features, or a fluffy Tamagotchi. And now Moflin is available for purchase globally.

With timing, I got a Moflin delivery right before I agreed to babysit my friend’s dog for a week. So I brought Buff with me to stay at Wiley’s house, a shy but boisterous country dog.

Moflin costs $429 — cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder, but more expensive than grudgingly accepting that you’re now responsible for the kitten that keeps showing up in the trash every night.

Courtesy of Casio