Labubu has some serious competition. This is Generation Z's new plush obsession.

You might think the days of virtual pets like Tamagotchi and Furby are over. Nothing could be further from the truth! In the age of artificial intelligence, they've become even more advanced. So much so that they're loved by more than just children. Meet the Moflin!

Did you have a Tamagotchi ? Although TikTok has made a comeback to the famous "virtual egg," new times require new solutions. Especially when it's increasingly difficult for people to build new relationships. A fluffy cutie equipped with AI- based technology? Meet Moflin, who is enjoying increasing popularity, not only among children but also among Generation Z.

Designed and manufactured by Casio, this fluffy little robot resembles a small rodent. It's not quite a rabbit , not quite a guinea pig . And while it's quite the cutie, its appearance isn't the most important thing here.

Moflin, a modern virtual pet License: Press materials / Casio

A robo-pet can develop its own unique personality depending on how its owner raises it. Sounds fantastic, right?

"People may feel that their Moflins are different from other Moflins because robots, like animals, exhibit individual personalities and emotions, and also develop and have different sleep cycles," Erina Ichikawa, the robot's lead designer, told The Mainichi .

The manufacturer promises that Moflin can exhibit over four million distinct personality traits ! The pet can recognize its owner and learns from interactions like petting and cuddling . However, leave it alone for long periods of time or frighten it, and it can become shy.

Casio introduces Moflin, a modern robotic pet. License: Press materials / Casio

Every owner can monitor their pet's emotional state using the Casio MofLife app, place them in the included bed, which also serves as a charging station. And, above all, cuddle, cuddle, and cuddle some more.

It turns out the robo-pet has become a real hit! From its November launch to March, Casio sold over 7,000 units of the Moflin , which is still sold out. Interestingly, the company reports that children aren't the biggest fans of this cutie . Women in their 30s and 40s were the most likely buyers.

This seems to confirm that in the age of social media , artificial intelligence and incredible overstimulation , we are having more and more trouble building new interpersonal relationships and we are becoming lonely .

Moflin costs around $400, or almost 1,500 złoty, but for true fans of the virtual pet, Casio offers a special Moflin Membership Club , which costs 6,600 yen per year. What's in return? Checkups , a furry grooming salon , and... resurrection of a lost Moflin . Hello, where are the physical therapist and behaviorist?

I might sound like a boomer, but I think I'd rather pet my cat, play with my son, and go chat with a friend. To a bar.