After numerous delays and release-date changes, the robotic Camarasaurus from California-based robotics manufacturers Ugobe has officially been launched. The robotic toy-pet was designed by Caleb Chung, co-creator of the Furby, which could be considered one of the earliest forms of virtual-pets. The Pleo features lifelike movement and sound, and according to Ugobe, each Pleo will “learn” from its experiences and environment through a sophisticated artificial intelligence and develop an individual personality. The robot is software-upgradable via SD card or USB interfaces and comes with a $350 price tag.

While in its current state the Pleo is mostly regarded as a toy. However, it’s predicted that the virtual pet may very well be the beginning of a huge wave of inexpensive robots yet to come, designed to offer people companionship the same way a living pet would.