Casio’s AI Pet Might Be the Cutest (or Creepiest) Wellness Device You’ll Ever See
Wellness tech, but make it cuddly: With depression and loneliness on the rise, Casio is bringing Moflin to the U.S. after a viral crowdfunding campaign in Japan
Somewhere between Labubu keychains and wearables sits Casio’s Moflin, a palm-sized, fluffy creation pitched as America’s next wellness accessory and designed to provide emotional companionship.
If it calls “Gremlins” to mind, think again. Moflin is firmly in Mogwai territory as it coos, simulates gentle breathing and shows gestures of attachment through what Casio calls “AI-powered emotional behavior” technology.”
Launching October 1 exclusively online for $429 in gold and silver, Moflin arrives in the U.S. after strong consumer reception in Japan and overseas. Each unit ships with a charging bed, AC adapter and startup guide.
Moflin first made waves in Japan through a viral crowdfunding campaign that it says exceeded its target by 3,000%. Casio, which provided technology and development licenses, decided to commercialize the companion, rolling out its first international launch in November 2024 before expanding to the U.S. market this fall.
Casio has emphasized that Moflin’s design is inspired by small animals but not modeled after any one in particular. The idea, the company says, is to let owners project their imagination onto the companion, which is why Moflin has only eyes and no other facial features (though it does come off as vaguely guinea pig-like). Even the charging station has been shaped to resemble a resting nest rather than a piece of hardware.
As it spends time with its owner, Moflin begins to become familiar with voices, performs small movements when it senses someone nearby and reacts with animal-like responses that mimic joy, sadness or curiosity.
Owners can engage through stroking, hugging or speaking softly near Moflin’s face, with the interactions gradually shaping a unique personality. According to Casio, Moflin can develop more than 4 million emotional profiles, making no two companions alike.
However, not all personalities are sunny. In a promotional video, Casio shows Moflin can become cranky, lonely or anxious, depending on its environment. The MofLife app lets owners check on Moflin’s emotional state and discover new traits, view interaction journals, update software and even name their companion.
Moflin’s U.S. debut comes at a time when mental health concerns remain historically high. A recent Gallup survey found that more than 18% of adults report currently having or being treated for depression, the highest rate since tracking began in 2015. Loneliness is also climbing. Gallup found that 21% of adults now report feeling significantly lonely, with nearly three in 10 young adults (ages 18 to 29) falling into that category.
While it remains to be seen whether Moflin can meaningfully ease depression or loneliness, its developers say the goal is comfort.
“If over time Moflin becomes a quiet companion who gently stays by your side and lifts your spirits in daily life, nothing would make us happier,” Casio developer Erina Ichikawa said.