Casio has opened pre-orders in Japan for Moflin, the new robotic puppy that needs cuddles more than walks. Halfway between a hamster and a little animal that looks like something out of Star Wars, Moflin is designed to be held and caressed, developing a simulated bond with its owner over time. Born from the collaboration between Casio and the Japanese startup Vanguard Industries, Moflin is a concentrate of technology and sweetness. Available for pre-order at the price of ￥59,400 (around 400 euros), it will be available from November 7th. For the more thoughtful, Casio also offers an optional subscription called “Club Moflin” at ￥6,600 (about 45 euros) per year, which includes discounts on repairs, cleaning and even complete fur replacement.
But what makes Moflin so special? Unlike Sony’s Aibo, designed for gaming and interaction, Moflin presents itself as a tender and anti-stress companion, designed for mental well-being. Its limited head and body movements, combined with its soft fur, simulate the sensation of a puppy snuggling in your arms. And that’s not all: Moflin is equipped with artificial intelligence that allows it to recognize the person it interacts with the most, memorizing their voice and the way they handle it. In response, the little robot will develop unique sounds and movements, expressed only for that person, simulating an emotional bond.
Like a real pet, Moflin also develops its own simulated personality, with emotions that change over time. Regular interactions will make him happy, confident and calm, while indifference will lead to states of stress, anxiety and sadness. These emotions, however, do not manifest themselves with specific sounds or movements, but are only visible via a dedicated app. Kind of like a very expensive Tamagotchi, but without digital rewards for caring. The app also allows you to adjust the volume of the sounds emitted by Moflin.
To make the illusion of a living being even more realistic, Moflin is not recharged with a simple USB cable, but with a kennel in which he seems to fall asleep while charging. The battery, according to Casio, has an autonomy of about five hours, while a “nap” of three and a half hours will be enough to make it active again and ready to dispense affection. With Moflin, Casio proposes a new way of understanding robotic companionship, focusing on emotion and psychological well-being. An interesting alternative to classic toy robots, which could win the hearts of those looking for a furry friend, but with the convenience of technology.