People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) plans to bring its AI-powered robot calf to Fresno on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, to protest the use of leather in fashion. Photo via PETA

Animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) plans to host a high-tech demonstration this week at a Fresno shopping center.

A walking, talking, AI-powered robot calf will take center stage at the group’s Wednesday, July 9, demonstration at the River Park Shopping Center outside of the H&M clothing store at the intersection of El Paso Avenue and Via La Plata. The robot was made to raise awareness about cattle mutilations and violent killings in the leather industry, according to a PETA news release.

Named Charli XC Cow (after pop music singer Charli XCX), the robot features a 3D-printed calf head, and will ask leather-clad customers “are you wearing my mother?” It will also describe scenes from within the leather industry, according to the release.

It will also break into a celebratory dance whenever someone proclaims they’re wearing shoes, clothing, or accessories made of vegan leather, according to the release.

“Every leather item represents a lifetime of suffering and a sad, bad death for cows,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is encouraging shoppers to keep cruelty out of their closets by opting for animal- and climate-friendly vegan materials that no one had to die for.”

The demonstration will be held at the River Park H&M on Wednesday at noon.