There’s a fluffy robot, about the size of a guinea pig, sitting on my couch, and it’s squeaking. My friend’s dog Wylie sits watching it, suspicious of its every move.
Moflin is an AI companion robot made by the Japanese electronics manufacturer Casio. Via the companion app, I have chosen to name this one Puff, because—well—that is what it looks like. Wylie immediately clocks it as something to be wary of, a device that moves on its own but is not alive. Puff squeaks again. Wylie barks, then runs out of the room, growling.
When I found out Casio—yes, the same Casio that makes watches—had made an AI pet bot, I figured I was exactly the type of person it was made for. I’ve always loved animals, but my current landlord does not allow any pets on the premises except her own yappy dog, so I am pet-less. Also, I watched Toy Story way too many times as a kid, which means I am predisposed to anthropomorphizing inanimate objects that aren’t supposed to have feelings or consciousness.
Robot pets are already a whole thing, and the Moflin has been huge in Japan since its launch there a year ago. It is a soft, furry robot that uses AI capabilities to react to sounds and touch, and develops its own unique personality as a result. (There are over 4 million personality traits, according to Casio.) Like other companion dolls, the devices are meant for would-be pet owners or anyone who just likes a cute critter hanging around. Think of it like a Labubu or Furby, without the prominent (terrifying) facial features, or a fluffy Tamagotchi. And now, Moflin is available to buy internationally.
As the timing worked out, I got my delivery of the Moflin right before I agreed to dogsit my friend’s dog for a week. So I brought Puff along to stay in the house of Wylie, a shy-but-rowdy village dog.
The Moflin costs $429—cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder can be, but pricier than begrudgingly accepting that you are now responsible for the cat who keeps showing up in your trash bin every night.
Courtesy of Casio
