Polycarbonate, fake fur, fabric, and
electronics,
11 13/16 x 7 1/8 x 5 7/8"
(30 x 18 x 15 cm)
Digital pets are part of a growing group
of functional objects with zoomorphic
qualities, often as endearing as stuffed
animals, that are meant to entertain
us, keep us company, inform us about
the weather, manage our household
appliances, even spy for us, like the
infamous nanny cams hidden in teddy
bears. The possible applications of a
digital bunny, communicative penguin,
or self-satisfied chubby little martian
are endless. Mr. Smilit, designed by
Michiko Nitta with contributions from
her mother, Yumi, and her sister, Yoko,
is a toy that reacts to the noise of a
child’s cry with a cry of its own, which
may cause the child to stop crying
and care for the doll.
