Casio Announces U.S. Pre‑Orders for Its New AI‑Powered Robotic Pet Moflin
Key Points
- Casio opens U.S. pre‑orders for Moflin, its AI‑driven robotic pet.
- Moflin priced at $449 and expected to ship later this year.
- Designed as a plush, stationary companion with head‑movement gestures.
- Features voice recognition, touch sensors, and evolving sound cues.
- Learns a unique personality based on user interaction; no reset function.
- Expands from strong Japanese sales to U.S. and U.K. markets.
- Offers a calming, cuddle‑friendly experience rather than full mobility.
Casio has opened pre‑orders for Moflin, an AI‑enabled robotic pet that offers a calming, cuddle‑friendly experience. The plush, hamster‑like device, which can express emotions through head movements, touch sensors, and voice recognition, will ship later this year for a price of $449. Designed for users seeking a soothing companion, Moflin learns a unique personality over time based on interaction, though it lacks a reset function. The launch follows strong sales in Japan and marks Casio’s expansion into the U.S. market.
Casio Expands Moflin Availability to the United States
Casio has announced that pre‑orders for its AI‑driven robotic pet, Moflin, are now live on the company’s U.S. website. The soft‑fur, oversized hamster‑style robot, which first launched in Japan, is set to become available in additional markets, including the United Kingdom and the United States, later this year. The pre‑order price is listed at $449, and the product is expected to ship after the launch date mentioned in the original announcement.
Design and Interaction Features
Moflin is conceived as a cuddly companion that provides a "calming presence" and "quiet reassurance." Its design emphasizes tactile interaction: the robot’s head can rotate side‑to‑side and tilt up and down, allowing it to convey simulated emotions. Embedded sensors underneath the fur detect touch, while built‑in microphones recognize individual voices, enabling personalized responses. Over time, Moflin’s artificial intelligence tailors a unique personality for each user, shifting from cheerful and energetic to quiet and shy depending on the level of interaction.
Audio and Emotional Expression
Although primarily intended to be a silent, soothing presence, Moflin can emit quiet sounds that evolve as the device learns. These sounds are meant to enhance the simulated bond between the robot and its owner, mirroring the way a real pet might vocalize. The robot’s ability to develop an individualized emotional profile is a key differentiator from other robotic companions, such as Sony’s Aibo, which can move around its environment.
Limitations and User Responsibility
Unlike some advanced robotic pets, Moflin does not have locomotion capabilities; it remains stationary, relying on head movement and sound to interact. The device also lacks a reset option, meaning users cannot revert the learned personality if they are dissatisfied. Casio advises owners to treat Moflin responsibly from the outset, as the robot’s behavior will be shaped by the consistent care it receives.
Market Reception and Future Outlook
The robot’s debut in Japan generated strong sales, prompting Casio to broaden its distribution. By entering the U.S. market, Casio aims to capture consumers interested in stress‑relief technology and novelty companionship devices. While the $449 price point is higher than many conventional consumer electronics, the company positions Moflin as a premium, emotionally responsive product.
Overall, Casio’s introduction of Moflin to U.S. consumers reflects a growing trend toward AI‑enhanced personal assistants that blend tactile comfort with adaptive behavior. The upcoming launch will reveal how American buyers respond to a stationary, plush robot designed primarily for emotional support.