After a few weeks living with Casio’s AI-powered pet, Moflin, I finally understand why my mother hated my Furby so much. Rather, it is positioned as a sophisticated “smart companion powered by AI, with emotions like a living creature” — the illusion of companionship without the responsibilities. The robot is part of a growing mini-industry of machines built with no other purpose than to keep us company. Unboxing Moflin felt less like meeting a pet and more like unwrapping a paperweight wrapped in a bronze wig. Which is why, in practice, Moflin’s “personality” is something you experience through a companion app.