Robot Dog Aibo Unveiled By Sony
After more than a decade when it was launched, Sony has announced its iconic robot pet brand with a brand new model simply called “Aibo” (model number ERS-1000).
It uses ultra-compact actuators that allow its body to move along 22 axes, and its eyes use two OLED panels to show a range of expressions. Battery life is rated at around two hours, with a three-hour recharge time. Sony claims that:
Aibo can form an emotional bond with members of the household while providing them with love, affection, and the joy of nurturing and raising a companion.
Sony says Aibo’s behaviour is adaptable, with the dog seeking out owners, learning what makes them happy, and gradually growing accustomed to wider environments. It uses deep learning technology to analyse the sounds and images coming through the robot dog’s array of sensors, and uses cloud data to learn from the experiences of other Aibo units and owners. Aibo also now requires a subscription, which costs 2,980 yen a month (US $26 approx.) for a minimum of three years. This gives you Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity, cloud backup, and access to the app’s features.
The new Aibo is available to pre-order in Japan and will go on sale on the 11th of January, 2018; there aren’t any plans yet to release it outside of Sony’s homeland. It costs 198,000 yen (US $1,700 approx.), as well as the monthly subscription
