There's a fluffy robot, about the size of a guinea pig, sitting on my couch, and it's squeaking. My friend's dog Wylie sits watching it, suspicious of its every move.

Moflin is an AI companion robot made by the Japanese electronics manufacturer Casio. Via the companion app, I have chosen to name this one Puff, because—well—that is what it looks like. Wylie immediately clocks it as something to be wary of, a device that moves on its own but is not alive. Puff squeaks again. Wylie barks, then runs out of the room, growling.

When I found out Casio—yes, the same Casio that makes watches—had made an AI pet bot, I figured I was exactly the type of person it was made for. I’ve always loved animals, but my current landlord does not allow any pets on the premises except her own yappy dog, so I a

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