All is well once more in the world of Sony’s financials, so it looks like the organisation’s research and development team has been let off its leash – quite literally. Some of you may remember AIBO, the robotic dog that the Japanese company launched in the late 90s. Well, now the project’s back in the form of a new AI-powered pet simply named Aibo – or ERS-1000 for those who like product codes.
The company claims that the new canine is capable of forming an “emotional bond with members of the household while providing them with love, affection, and the joy of nurturing and raising a companion”. It has multiple articulated points, and two OLED eyes. Even better, this pooch will run out of juice after a couple of hours, so rather than take it out on walks you just need to plug it into the wall.
There’s a lot of cyborg tech packed into this electronic pal: Sony says that it will learn the behaviour of family members and gradually understand the layout of the environment it lives in. It’ll also be connected to the cloud, so that all Aibos contribute to the motorised mammal’s mastermind. Are we living in the future now?
In addition to setting you back an eye-watering ¥198,000 (~$1,700), you’ll also have to pay a ¥2,980 (~$26) monthly fee on the Aibo in order for it to access the cloud. It’s not a cheap investment, then, but you can’t put a price on a synthetic soul mate. Oh, and if you are considering coughing up, make sure you set aside a few extra pennies, as you’ll also be able to purchase a bone accessory named the ‘Aibone’. You know you want it.
[source bbc.co.uk, via theverge.com]
Comments 13
I liked it then, and I like it now, but you can buy a you robot dog these days for 1 monthly $26 payment. And Fur Real friends have fur.
I'm sure it will sell, but that monthly fee is mind boggling. For that price it should serve as a cell tower and Wi-Fi hotspot.
I guess announcing it the same day the $1,150 iPhone X launched makes it look cheap to some people though.
@BLP_Software But real dogs die.
Holy bananas, $1,700! It looks like one of those $50 robot toys from the 90's.
With so many homeless dogs needing love and shelter, this sounds crazy.
Where's the cat version ?
@Wormold Yeah, I've got a persian cat and it's so high maintenance, from the food, cleaning its cage, going to the vet, it's just too time consuming.
@BLP_Software The monthly subscription is annoying and should be unnecesary but if we're talking the price, owning this will be cheaper than owning real dog in a couple of year time. $1700 is too expensive for me though.
@sinalefa The idea is to have a pet without all the hasele
@get2sammyb
That reminds me of the last time. No getting around the repair bill.
Emm, I think I'll stick with my German Shepherd, thanks!
Do these things actually sell?
Might be a fun novelty item, but can hardly replace the real thing.
Sony making questionable business decisions, now that they are back in the black?
I love dogs, but I'm sadly allergic to them so I'd love one of these!
Any innovative tech is expensive. What they are making is impressive. If you can afford the $1700 then the $26 monthly fee is not that much. No more expensive than a mobile phone contract and a damn site more interesting than a mobile phone.
I like real dogs and robot dogs they both have a place in the home. Not everyone can own a real dog for many different reasons this offers an alternative thats intresting I look forward to see where this tech goes. if it means someone becomes less ,lonely then this product serves its purpose.
Not sure why this is weird either.
Looks great, but that price and the subscription fee and the constant connection to the cloud will make me avoid this.
@get2sammyb But real dogs die.
This dog will likely be dead in 18 months when they shut down the servers b/c nobody is paying $26 per month for a toy robot dog.
@BLP_Software OK, I can understand you opening up yourself to abuse on NL, at least it's happy over there, but PS? That's just being a glutton for punishment. You need a happier outlet. Maybe post pics on Instagram or something.
Tokyo Jungle 2 model? Lol
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