An AI-powered robot pet has become a popular item in Japan, exhibiting unique personalities shaped by its interactions. The Moflin, developed by Casio, boasts over four million distinct personality traits, learning preferences through petting and cuddling, and recognising frequent communicators as owners.
Targeted initially at women seeking companionship, the project gained momentum when engineers incorporated features to emulate the cuteness of small animals. Surpassing expectations, Casio sold over 7,000 units by March, particularly resonating with women in their late 30s and 40s. Some owners even take their Moflins on outings.
Priced at approximately £300, Moflin is designed to offer emotional support and tackle feelings of loneliness. Equipped with sensors and an 'internal emotion map', it expresses a range of feelings through sounds and movements, adapting to its owner's presence and showing signs of discontent if left alone for extended periods. This innovation taps into the growing market for companion robots in Japan, offering an alternative for those unable to care for living pets.
