Moflin by Vanguard Industries is more than a cuddly plush pet, as it takes the form of a pet robot powered by artificial intelligence that boasts "emotional capabilities that evolve like living animals." Covered in soft gray fur, Moflin is designed to continuously take in information from its surroundings via sensors, pick up on patterns and express its feelings.
Vanguard Industries sees the potential for Moflin to be adopted by not just kids but also adults, as the home robot has a personality of its own that makes it like living with a real pet.
In a time of social distancing, canceled activities and a loneliness epidemic, designers are creating products to solve cravings for "skin hunger." In the case of this cuddly pet robot, Moflin helps to not only fill a desire for physical touch but emotional closeness too.
Expressive AI Pets
Moflin, a Robot with Evolving Emotional Capabilities, is Coming to CES 2021
Trend Themes
1. Artificial Intelligence-made Interactive Toys - There's an opportunity to disrupt traditional toy-making by integrating AI technology that could make existing toys more life-like and interactive.
2. Emotionally-driven Robotics - There's an opportunity to probe further into the development of robots that mimic human emotions and build products around it.
3. Smart Toys with Evolving Capabilities - There's an opportunity for AI technology to greatly enhance toys, giving them an increasing capacity for sophisticated learning and expanding functionality.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Established toy manufacturers who can adopt AI technology in order to build a new generation of toys that can react to changes in their environment, interconnect with other devices, and have more engaging outputs.
2. Companion Pet Industry - The industry could harness AI technology to create smart and interactive pets that would address the needs of people in search of companionship in a world that's increasingly becoming lonely.
3. Digital Customer Experience - Companies working in customer experience could use these evolving AI-powered toys and smart robots to create a more personal and emotional bond with their customers.