If you watched the Star Trek episode about tribbles and thought you needed one in your life (minus the rapid reproduction problem), then Casio has just what you need. The company is currently accepting pre-orders in Japan for Moflin, an adorable robot stuffed animal with AI “emotional functions” that was announced during CES 2021. Moflin was developed in partnership with Japanese startup Vanguard Industries and is intended to act like emotional support. Pets — Their specialty is cuddling, and their creators say each robot has its own personality, can change its mood depending on the situation, and grows attached to people over time. That’s what it means.
It comes in two colors, gray and blonde, and is priced at a hefty 59,400 yen (approximately $400), and is scheduled to ship on November 7th. Release outside of Japan has not been announced.
Mofflins don’t just respond to hugs. When you talk to it, it will respond with movements and cute sounds. These interactions help shape its character. “Moflin has the ability to learn, and its personality grows depending on how you treat it,” Vanguard founder Masahiko Yamanaka said in a promotional video. It’s Bluetooth enabled so you can connect it to an app and charge it inside its little nest without breaking the illusion of a real pet. It will go to sleep mode while charging. However, the fur is removable in case you need to wash it.
Vanguard ran a successful Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaign for Moflin in 2020, but it didn’t start shipping the robot to backers until late 2023. Currently, Casio is in charge of manufacturing and sales.
