The fluffiest robot of CES 2021 is back thanks to Casio
If you’ve ever wished for a real-life version of the tribbles from Star Trek—minus their troublesome reproduction—Casio has something you might love. The company is now accepting pre-orders in Japan for Moflin, an adorable AI-powered robotic plushie that first captured attention during CES 2021. Developed in collaboration with Japanese startup Vanguard Industries, Moflin is designed to function as an emotional support pet. It excels at snuggling, and thanks to its AI, it boasts distinct personalities, shifts moods based on interactions, and can form attachments to its owners over time.
Available in gray or blonde, Moflin comes with a price tag of ￥59,400 (around $400) and is expected to start shipping on November 7. As of now, there’s no confirmed release date outside of Japan.
Moflin isn’t just about cuddling. Users can interact with it by speaking, and the plushie responds with movement and cute noises, helping shape its character. “Moflin has the ability to learn, and its personality will develop based on how it is treated,” said Masahiko Yamanaka, founder of Vanguard, in a promotional video. The robot is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing it to connect with an app, and it charges in a small nest, maintaining the illusion of being a real pet. When charging, Moflin “sleeps.” Its fur is also removable, making it easy to clean.
Vanguard initially launched Moflin through successful Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns in 2020, but only began delivering to backers in late 2023. Now, Casio is overseeing the manufacturing and distribution process.
Nintendo Unveils Alarmo: A Motion-Sensing Smart Alarm Clock
Nintendo’s newest hardware may not be the long-awaited successor to the Switch, but it still has the potential to brighten your mornings. Introducing the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, a $100 motion-sensing alarm clock that’s now available for Nintendo Switch Online members in the US and Canada.
Alarmo is designed to make waking up more enjoyable than your standard beeping alarm or overplayed morning playlist. It uses motion sensors to let you snooze by simply moving around, or you can opt for the physical snooze button—though that’s less fun. The clock offers a variety of wake-up scenes inspired by popular Nintendo games, including Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 3, Pikmin 4, and Ring Fit Adventure. More scenes from other games are expected to be added as free updates.
Users can choose between two wake-up modes. The first gradually increases the intensity of the alarm the longer you stay in bed, while the gentler option keeps it consistent. If you snooze too long, you may get a surprise visit from one of Mario’s arch-nemeses. Once you finally wake up, a victory fanfare plays, possibly accompanied by Mario’s famous “Wahoo!”
For those who are into sleep tracking, Alarmo also monitors your movements during the night. It can even help you fall asleep with soothing music and sounds at your set bedtime—though some may prefer the trusty hour-long YouTube thunderstorm videos.
The concept for Alarmo began during Nintendo’s research into motion sensors, with the team experimenting with various prototypes. At one point, the developers even considered hand gesture controls, though the final product is more focused on supporting restful sleep. Nintendo Switch Online members can purchase Alarmo now, with wider availability at retail stores expected early next year. However, while the alarm clock comes
with a USB power cable, users will need to provide their own AC adapter.