Sega Toys Dream Cat Venus Robotic Feline Delights Lonely Japanese Women

There are certain things that will always creep me out - carnies and
public restrooms among them - but I have to admit that robotic animals
of any kind might be near the top of the list. I'm not sure if it's the
lifeless, piercing eyes or the rigid mechanical movements that do it.
Maybe it's just the fact that no matter how much technology you cram
under the fake fur they just never seem natural. Either way, when I saw
the latest creature creation from Sega Toys, the Dream Cat Venus, it
sent chills up and down my spine.
The Dream Cat Venus is actually the second incarnation of a robotic cat
for the Japanese firm. I guess they just hadn't scared enough children
with their first pass, the Yume Neko Smile. Complete with mottled faux
fur, this replica of a Norwegian Forest Cat is supposed to be the next
best thing to Fluffy. Sega actually worked with the Tohoku University's
Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer in Northern Japan during the
development phase to make sure they got it just right. I suppose I can
see the connection between curing cancer and robo-kitties.
The Dream Cat Venus is programmed to respond to its human counterpart in
various ways depending upon the applied stimulus. Now doesn't that sound
all warm and fuzzy? Apparently, if you use a phrase like there, there
the Venus will provide a simulated purr to show its appreciation. I
wonder if it'll short circuit around catnip?
The Dream Cat Venus also has several pre-programmed movements including
laying down, paw movements and several reactions to touch. They are
triggered from a number of hidden sensors and photoreceptors placed on
the cats body. The battery powered pussy measures 490×240x230-mm
(19.3×9.4×9.1-in) and comes with a plastic comb for grooming.
Available only in Japan you can pick up the Yume Neko Dream Cat Venus on
July 30th for around $110 equivalent. Hairballs sold separately.