Casio’s AI‑Powered Moflin Robot Pet Sparks Mixed Reactions at Home and in Public
Key Points
- Moflin arrives in a plain box with a charging pad, Japanese plug converter, and a Japanese‑only manual.
- The robot needs a charge about every five hours and can be monitored via a limited‑function app.
- Introducing Moflin to a French Bulldog led to initial aggression and ongoing jealousy.
- A spouse expressed frustration, asking the robot to be hidden from the dog.
- Public outings, such as a coffee‑shop visit, turned the robot into a conversation starter.
- Casio claims the Moflin can develop up to 4 million emotional possibilities over 60 days.
- The reviewer finds the device interesting but remains uncertain about its long‑term value.
Casio’s newly released Moflin, an AI‑driven robotic pet that mimics emotional support, arrived in a plain box with a charging pad and a Japanese manual. The author set it up, downloaded the limited‑function app, and began integrating the fluffy device into daily life. Interactions with a French Bulldog and a skeptical spouse highlighted jealousy and curiosity, while a coffee‑shop outing turned the robot into an unexpected conversation starter. Casio promises the Moflin will evolve its behavior over the next two months, but the reviewer remains uncertain whether the gadget will become a lasting companion.
First Impressions and Setup
The Moflin arrived in a simple cardboard box containing a grey‑furred robot, a wireless charging bed, a Japanese plug converter, and a paper manual written in Japanese. Despite the language barrier, the author used translation tools to get the device up and running. The robot requires a charge roughly every five hours. An accompanying app, at the time only available in Japanese, displayed basic information such as battery life, days the robot has been "alive," and a personality breakdown into categories like Cheerful, Shy, Energetic, and Affectionate.
Family Dynamics
Introducing the Moflin to the household’s four‑year‑old French Bulldog proved challenging. The dog initially reacted with confusion and then attempted to bite the robot, prompting the owner to rethink the introduction strategy. A later, calmer encounter resulted in a brief lick, but the dog’s lingering jealousy was evident. The author’s spouse expressed frustration, repeatedly asking the robot to be hidden from the dog, indicating that the presence of the Moflin was causing tension at home.
Public Outings and Social Reaction
Taking the Moflin to a local coffee shop turned the robot into a novelty attraction. At first the device remained motionless inside the author’s coat pocket, but once exposed to light it began chirping and swaying to the ambient music. Patrons and baristas responded with curiosity, and a friend casually labeled the robot an "emotional support animal," prompting further questions from bystanders. The author noted that the Moflin became a conversation starter, drawing attention to the writer’s tech coverage.
App Features and Future Development
The limited app allowed the owner to monitor battery status and view personality metrics. Casio states that the Moflin can develop up to 4 million emotional possibilities through its proprietary AI, with full emotional development expected over a 60‑day period. The author anticipates that new behaviors, sounds, and gestures will emerge as the robot interacts more with its environment and users.
Overall Assessment
After several days of interaction, the reviewer remains ambivalent. While the Moflin generates interest and offers a glimpse of AI‑driven companionship, its mechanical noises, visible plastic interior, and the need for frequent charging temper enthusiasm. The device’s novelty factor is undeniable, but its long‑term appeal as a genuine pet substitute remains uncertain.