We can’t tell if this is endearing or eerie, but here goes: Hasbro has launched the Joy For All line of robotic companion pet toys, and the first entry is a cat that responds to your touch.
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Hasbro has the answer for all you forever alone-types that want a cat, but don’t want the feline downside of clawed up furniture, cleaning a litter box or it repeatedly sitting on your keyboard during a marathon session of Fallout 4.
The brand was originally created following consumer feedback, highlighting the appeal of certain toys and games from Hasbro for seniors.
“We heard from seniors across the country that companionship was important to their happiness”. Owners can pet the robotic cat to elicit a variety of different lifelike responses. But you grew up with Tamagotchis, Pokemon, and other virtual pets that never needed much maintenance; why shouldn’t your aging loved ones also be able to enjoy a few virtual companionship too?
Fischer added: “Whether it’s one-on-one time between caregivers and recipients, or multi-generational play with parents, children, and grandchildren, we’re excited to enable families and friends of all ages to connect more deeply through the universal language of play”.
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The cat – which comes in three colours, orange tabby, silver, and creamy white – was chosen as the first product after pilot tests revealed that people were most engaged by familiar-looking robots.
