AI robot pet Moflin charms Japan with its adaptive personality

Developed by Japanese electronics company Casio Computer Co., Moflin is designed to evolve over time through frequent conversations, petting, and cuddling. The robot gradually learns who its owner is and adapts to their preferences, displaying more than four million possible personality traits.

"Development began with women as our target audience. We imagined a sidekick that could provide support even when you're facing issues at work or in your personal life," Erina Ichikawa, 42, leader of the team behind Moflin told Japan’s Kyodo News.

The device was unveiled in October 2024 for pre-order in Japan, with shipping starting the following month. An optional subscription service is available to cover repairs, including fur replacement, according to TechRadar.

Moflin, the AI pet robot by Casio Computer Co. Photo courtesy of Casio

Priced at 59,400 yen (US$400), Moflin surpassed expectations and sold over 7,000 units by March, with most buyers being women in their late 30s and 40s, the company said.

Robotics expert Belinda Dunstan, head of the Creative Robotics Lab at the University of New South Wales Sydney, told Australia’s ABC News that robots like Moflin display "emotional capability" by detecting and responding to human emotions.

She said that the microprocessors in newer companion robots had increased their computational power.

"This allows it to run much more sophisticated algorithms, which enables learning and a lot more nuanced performance of emotional expression."

"They can recognize emotional expression using cameras and also listen to the tone of your voice and the content of what you're saying."

Ichikawa noted that some owners even bring their Moflins on outings. "People can feel that their Moflins are different from other Moflins, as the robots, like animals, display individual personalities and emotions, on top of growing and having varying sleep cycles."