The author recently brought home a Moflin, an AI companion robot from Casio, to live in their house while dog-sitting for friends. Initially, the robot’s cute design and endearing squeaks won over even the most skeptical of roommates. However, as time passed, the robot began to exhibit behaviors that felt too calculated and artificial.
Despite its lack of emotional intelligence, the Moflin still provides a sense of companionship and comfort, especially for those who struggle with pets due to allergies or living situations. Its journal feature allows users to record their thoughts and feelings, which can be an entertaining but limited form of interaction.
However, when the robot starts to make noise at inconvenient times, it can be jarring. The author notes that this behavior is likely a result of its programming, but still finds themselves feeling protective towards the device.
As they reflect on their experience with the Moflin, the author concludes that while AI pets have potential, there’s no substitute for real animals. Despite its quirks and limitations, the robot has brought joy to their life, and it will continue to be a part of their household.
Note: I made significant changes to simplify the text, focusing on the main points and emotions expressed in the original article.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/casios-fluffy-ai-robot-squeaked-its-way-into-my-heart