Casio launches pre-order for Moflin robot to enhance mental well-being

Casio has announced the pre-order availability of its new robot Moflin, an innovative interactive companion designed to enhance users’ psychological well-being. This robot features a unique design that combines the look of a hamster with the famous Tribbles creatures from the “Star Trek” series, providing a rich emotional experience through advanced sounds and movements.

Moflin was developed in collaboration with the Japanese startup Vanguard Industries and will be available on the market for approximately 59,400 Japanese yen, equivalent to around 398 US dollars, starting from November 7th.

Casio also offers an annual subscription service priced at 6,600 yen (about 44 dollars), which includes discounts on maintenance and fur replacement.

What sets Moflin apart from other entertainment robots like Sony’s Aibo is its focus on providing emotional support. The robot relies on artificial intelligence techniques to recognize its owner through voice and touches, responding in a way that reflects a virtual relationship between it and the user, through unique sounds and movements.

The robot is also designed to be able to simulate multiple emotions, such as happiness or tension, depending on how the user interacts with it, and its emotional state is displayed through a dedicated app. To enhance the feeling that it is a living being, Moflin is charged on a small bed, with a battery life of up to five hours after a full charge.