Flat Cat
If you don’t want all the stress and responsibility that comes with owning a real pet, but also don’t want to drop $74,500 on a lifelike robotic alternative (such as Boston Dynamics’ Spot), you might have to settle for a $1,200 crowdfunded companion called the Flat Cat, which looks like zombie roadkill. As the name implies, the robot is reminiscent of a furry feline that’s had an unfortunate run-in with a vehicle’s tires, leaving it flat as a pancake but no less “alive” and active.
The Flat Cat moves around not unlike a tapeworm, compressing and expanding its body to move across floors and furniture instead of your intestines. It’s also designed to respond to human interactions like being picked up or having its fur stroked. When left alone it will also roll around and contort its body in an attempt to convince you it’s as adorable and playful as a puppy or a kitten. There is some undeniable charm in the robot, and its furry outer coat encourages interaction the same way kids are tempted to poke at a furry caterpillar inching along the ground, but the Flat Cat will never curl up on your lap, sip a bowl of warm milk, or use your laptop keyboard as a bed. —Andrew Liszewski
