The Next Generation Furby - The Pleo Toy

It's starting to get scary... Very scary.

A compnay called Ugove has created a new creature designed to mirror animal movement, behaviour and emotions. Appatently it'll mature from a baby-like animal to an adult. I'm starting to get really worried!

The Pleo is modeled on a week-old dinasaur called a Camasaurus and is designed largely by the same team that came up with the Furby.

The Pleo has 38 touch, sound, light and tilt sensors which allow it to mimic real-life creatures. The Pleo will behave differently depending on its current state such as the load on a particular joint, how the battery voldtage is changing, etc. So a more active "owner" may be more heavy handed with it and this will affect how the Pleo will react. Furthermore, the Pleo is capable of autonomous interaction with its owner and environment including coughing, blinking its eyes, chomping, twitching, sighing, sneezing, sniffing, growling stomach, tail drift and yawning.

According to Reed Electronics, it also can display distinct moods including anger, boredom, playfulness, hunting, cautiousness, cuddliness, disgust, disorientation, distress, fear, curiousity, joy, sorrow, suprise, fatigue, hunger and a desire for social interaction.

“We built behavioral and emotional software that is based on our understanding of how natural systems work,” said John Christopher, CEO of Ugobe.

It'll be ready for the third quarter, just in time for Christmas. And with $18million in advanced purchase orders it's sure to be a huge hit.

For more information read the press release. Or see it in action.

For their own description:

Pleo is a one-week old infant Camarasaurus from the Jurassic period. Camarasaurus were born and raised in giant fern forests. They evolved camouflage that allowed them to blend with their environment of ferns, moss and ruff, the detritus that littered the forest floor. The first Pleo created is a Fernback. His markings help him to survive by hiding among the giant fern fronds in his habitat.

Pleo wants to explore his environment. He will be cautious when he walks to the edge of a table. He may cry when he is frightened. Pleo will stretch when he first wakes up. He may stomp his foot for food when hungry.
When Pleo grows tired, lay him down and attach his ‘dream cord’ so he can sleep, dream, and gather energy for more exploration.