So sentient inflatable beings are a little far-fetched (I still love the concept, though)...

However, I just thought of a concept worthy of real-world consideration: inflatable pets.
Like a cross between inflatable robots and toy pets. It has its basis in reality, and it's still puffy and squishy enough to befit the interests of us fanatics.

No, not THOSE interests! Those will have to wait another time.

Imagine, though, technology not based on clunky devices with bladders attached, but integrated into those bladders. Possibly able to self-inflate, detect damage, and maybe self-repair under certain conditions. All it needs is a reasonable artificial intelligence, an appealing design, and PRESTO!

It would probably cost a few hundred dollars to own one, but it would be interesting to imagine. Perhaps it could be "trained" to play games with children and other pets (need the DLC). Perhaps super-durable and larger versions could aid in dangerous climates (sort of like technologically-advanced rescue dogs, think St. Bernards with kegs on their chests).

Still, knowing the more driven members of this site, some owners of them might just use them for less-than-pure purposes.

Besides that, what do you think about the idea?