English 
慶應義塾大学 そして Casio Computer Co., Ltd. spent nearly six months studying something most tech companies usually leave to marketing language. Why do people emotionally connect with AI pet robots in the first place?
The research focused on Moflin, Casio’s AI powered pet robot, and examined how its design and behavior affect human emotions and perception. The advisory began in October 2025 and included analysis from psychology and cognitive neuroscience perspectives, with participation from Professor Yuri Terazawa from Keio University’s Department of Psychology.
What makes this interesting is that the study was not just about whether users ‘liked’ the robot. It looked deeper into how physical characteristics like Moflin’s rounded shape, warm texture, movements, and voice influence emotional responses. Researchers also explored how the robot’s software behavior, including response patterns and two-way interaction, changes the way people perceive it over time.
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The findings suggest that Moflin ’s appearance can set off protective instincts, and emotional comfort. It’s soft and warm feel might also bring about a sense of safety, and a kind of reassurring calm. Researchers additionally noticed that the way Moflin reacts during interactions can shift how owners see it, like it is not quite a machine anymore but more like a living presence, right there with you.
That shift matters more than it sounds. The study suggests these interactions may contribute to emotional stability, social self-esteem, and overall well-being. Moflin doesn’t really feel like just a novelty gadget, or even a plain robotic pet, instead it seems made to build a steady emotional kind of bond between people and AI. and it’s there that the border between everyday consumer electronics and that more heartfelt emotional technology is starting to blur, a little too fast maybe.
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