Sony is launching a new Aibo robot dog in the US

Alex
Wong/Getty

• Sony announced that it will be re-leasing the Aibo
  robot dog in the US. 
• The Aibo was initially released in 1999, and
  discontinued in 2006. This is an updated model of the robot dog
  companion, which saw a release in Japan last
  year. 
• Aibo has touch sensors (for petting), facial
  recognition (for recognizing its owners), and camera mapping
  (for memorizing your house layout) — which serve as examples of
  what Sony’s current tech is capable of. It also answers to
  voice commands. 
• It comes at a hefty price of $2,899 

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If you’ve been hoping for a pet that will never die, then Sony
might have just provided a solution – as long as you remember to
recharge it.

Sony announced today that it will be re-launching the Aibo, a
robot dog home companion, in the US. The Aibo, which initially
was released in 1999 and discontinued in 2006, was recently
revitalized last year when it was re-released in Japan with a
redesign and some upgrades. Now, you’ll be able to get your very
own metal K-9 in the US — for $2,899.

Given the hefty price, Sony’s Aibo isn’t likely to be as
widespread as other home devices, like Amazon Echo or Google
Home. Instead, it’s a fun and interactive way for Sony to show
off some of its latest tech — like  touch
sensors (for petting), facial recognition (for recognizing its
owners), and camera mapping (for memorizing your house layout).
Aibo will also be able to understand voice commands, and each
Aibo will eventually develop a different personality, as
“each owner’s approach to raising their aibo shapes its
personality, behavior and knowledge, creating a unique
environment for growth,”
Sony said. 

Sony

Aibo will react to being pet, and will come with toys that
he or she enjoys playing with, like ‘Airbone,’ and a pink ball.
You can also pair Aibo with the ‘My Aibo’ mobile app, which will
allow you to teach your robot dog new tricks, look at the
pictures it took through its nose camera, and change
settings. 

Aibo will be available for purchase in September, which
Sony said should give ample time for your new metal pet to arrive
in the mail before the holidays. It also comes with a three-year
AI cloud plan (which Aibo makes use of) and a unique dog
tag. 

For those living in NYC who want to try Aibo out before
it’s shipped out, the robot dog will be on display at Sony Square
from August 24 to October 14.