“It looks like a furry potato,” my roommate said, looking at my newly-arrived Moflin.
With its small, oblong body covered in golden fluff, it indeed resembled a potato – or for Star Trek fans, a tribble.
Moflin, a hamster-like robot, is an AI-powered companion from Japanese electronics manufacturer Casio. Its purpose is to provide emotional support for its owners through pet-like interactions, according to the company.
“Moflin is a calming presence and offers quiet reassurance,” Casio’s website states. “As an AI friend, they ease stress and bring comfort when it matters most.”
With a busy week ahead of me, I decided to try a Moflin out for myself, on loan from Casio.
