First, watch the two-minute video below, and then we’ll discuss a few things.
What did you see? 90% of you thought “another Japanese crap” – right? An artificial intelligence pet… – how stupid? Maybe if you saw a dog that looked normal but was robotic, you would pause (there are such things, by the way…)
And yet. Projects like this one, the “moflin,” have their own distinct dynamic under the conditions of the “new normality” that has begun by force.
First, because it shapes a fluffy version of machine learning. Without wires and without buttons, it doesn’t look like a machine at all—let alone one that interacts with its environment. Second, because the form itself doesn’t resemble any of the known pets. But this originality has quite a bit of sociology and psychology behind it, as well as a fundamental trajectory of artificial intelligence. If its forms try to mimic existing living creatures (say, dogs or cats), they will always be subject to comparison with those creatures. Various companies—mainly Asian ones—not only don’t avoid such a comparison but actually pursue it as a benchmark and incentive for continuous improvement. Other companies, however, prefer to create an entirely “new product” from the outset, one that will establish its own commercial category. (The iPhones, for example, followed this logic…)
Last but not least: the “therapeutic” usefulness of artificial intelligence, in the form of a cute robotic pet. You have to admit it has irresistible advantages: it doesn’t eat, doesn’t poop – it only needs charging. And it offers “warmth” and “tenderness”…
Think again. Isn’t it perfect for house-arrest conditions? At least come up with solid arguments not to give your children such a pet tomorrow or the day after… (We shouldn’t have to say it, but in case it didn’t occur to you: these “smart” household robots will also be marketed as ideal guards. With their upgraded sensors and the internet of things they will alert you remotely about anything wrong happening in your home. Wherever you are…)