Can a fluffy robot really replace a cat or dog? My weird, emotional week with an AI pet

Can a fluffy robot really replace a cat or dog? My weird, emotional week with an AI pet

yesterday
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https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/nov/20/fluffy-robot-weird-emotional-week-ai-pet-moflin

Casio says Moflin can develop its own personality and build a rapport with its owner – and it doesn’t need food, exercise or a litter tray. But is it essentially comforting or alienating?

It looks faintly like one half of a small pair of very fluffy slippers. It squeaks and wriggles and nestles in the palm of my hand, black eyes hidden beneath a mop of silvery-white fur. It weighs about the same as a tin of soup. It doesn’t need to be fed or walked and it doesn’t use a litter tray; it’s guaranteed not to leave “gifts” on my doorstep. Which is just as well, because Moflin is about to become my pet.