Meet the new breed of best friends: artificial intelligence pets that show up in homes, no kibble required.
These digital companions bridge the gap between cold gadgets and warm support, offering a unique blend of high-tech features and emotional connection. As the lines between smart devices and furry friends blur, technology enthusiasts and comfort seekers are drawn to these advanced critters.
Casio launched its AI-powered furry robot pet, Moflinin Japan. Described by TechRadar Moflin looks like “a big guinea pig, without a mouth” or “a Porg from Star Wars, but horizontal” and is designed to be held and cuddled, creating an emotional bond similar to a real pet, but without the full responsibilities of healthcare. for a living animal.
These AI companions represent a growing trend at the intersection of technology and wellness, as companies explore ways to meet the increasing demand for stress relief and emotional support. Beyond the initial purchase, AI pets offer tech companies the potential for recurring revenue through subscription-based services, potentially transforming traditional business models in the gadget market.
“This new product could further increase consumer spending in the wellness and tech gadget sectors,” Olivia Tapperco-founder of DTC SEO agency and the “dog mom” behind it PetPortraits.comtold PYMNTS. “Casio’s Moflin solves specific pain points designed to provide comfort and support. This could be a good product for people who are not in a situation where they can buy a real pet.”
Reflecting on her digital pet experiences, Tapper said, “I grew up with the Tamagotchi toys, which showed that people enjoyed taking care of their digital pet. This is the next level of that.”
Cuddly companions: from Moflin to Aibo
Moflin, priced at 59,400 yen (approximately $400), will begin shipping on November 7. Casio offers an optional subscription service called Club Moflin to cover repairs including fur replacement, demonstrating the potential for recurring revenue in this new market segment.
Moflin’s AI capabilities allow it to develop its unique personality through daily interactions with its environment. According to Casio, Moflin will “evolve” emotionally and become attached to its owner over time. However, unlike real pets, Moflin’s emotional state is only visible through a companion app, which some may find less intuitive than reading an animal’s body language.
The robot pet has a battery life of 5 hours on a single charge and needs a 3.5-hour power boost in its “cute charging bed” to continue providing emotional support, the TechRadar report said.
While Moflin is making waves, it’s not alone in the AI pet market. Several companies have developed and refined their versions of artificial companions. Sony‘S Aiboa pioneer in this field, it was first introduced in 1999 and relaunched in 2017. The latest model, ERS-1000is a robotic dog that uses AI to learn and respond to its owner. The nose-mounted camera can perform tricks, respond to voice commands and take photos.
Tombot‘S Jenny is explicitly intended for seniors and people with dementia. This robotic Labrador retriever puppy focuses on providing comfort and companionship with realistic movements and responses.
By choosing a different approach, Yukai technique‘S Qoobo is a pillow with a wagging tail, focused solely on the comforting aspect of pet ownership.
For the tech-savvy, Elephant robotics offers MarsCatan interactive robot cat powered by a quad-core Raspberry Pi. It features facial recognition and an open source platform for programming new behaviors.
In the meantime, Timeless innovation‘S Joy for all pets, including cats And puppiesis specifically designed for older adults. They provide lifelike fur and pet-like sounds to provide comfort and reduce loneliness.
The business of digital dedication
When it comes down to it subscription services like Club Moflin, Tapper said she sees clear benefits for businesses.
“A subscription service is great for AI-driven companies,” she says. “You have a returning customer who pays periodically, and the cost of acquiring the customer decreases over time.”
“You can also add new functionalities and features as you evolve the products based on customer feedback,” she added. “This could lead to a growing customer base and potential up-sells.”
However, Tapper raised a point about data privacy:
“It’s important to note that in this age of AI and data management, as a customer you may want to understand how your data is being used,” she says. “Is the device listening to you and how is your data managed?”
At the request of As for whether emotional attachment to AI pets could lead to long-term loyalty, Tapper emphasized the importance of customer satisfaction.
“If the product and service meets customer needs and expectations, it is likely to build and maintain a loyal customer base,” she said. “Building a business is so much more than selling a product. You have to take care of the customers and solve them after the sale problems that may arise.”
Despite her enthusiasm for the technology, Tapper answered with a resounding no when asked if she would buy an AI pet herself.
“I have a dog and love the connection we haveshe said. “He’s my fur baby and I wouldn’t replace him with an AI pet. Personal, I’d rather buy a real pet.”
However, she acknowledged that AI pets might appeal to some.
“I can see situations where people could get an AI pet; Like, it’s less responsibility and commitment,” she said.
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