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Sony has announced the "evolution" of its robot canine companion:
Sony Corporation (Sony) is today proud to announce "aibo," the evolution of its autonomous entertainment robot that brings fun and joy to the entire family. 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. It possesses a natural curiosity, and we hope it will bring joy into the everyday lives of our customers while growing alongside them as a partner.
Sony hasn't produced aibo robots for over a decade:
Aibo is a rebooted version of a device Sony (SNE) first launched in the 1990s -- and the Japanese company has made it appealingly un-robotic. Unlike past versions, it has "eyes" (two small screens capable of showing diverse and nuanced expressions), a rounded appearance and a mouth that tilts up in a smile. [...] Sony eventually neutered Aibo production facilities in 2006, leading to an exodus of robotics and AI expertise. Now, with global tech giants and other big companies charging into artificial intelligence, Sony is getting back in the game.
It costs ¥198,000 ($1,733) before tax, but it also requires the purchase of a three-year subscription for 90,000 JPY ($788).
Also at PC Magazine, BBC, Ars Technica, TechCrunch, and IEEE.
(Score: 2) by Snospar on Friday November 03 2017, @05:38PM (2 children)
My wife really wants a dog but I know who will have to deal with the "foul end" of things. If someone came up with an electronic dog that was a close simulation of the real thing I would think about it. It would need to be walkable as that's sort of the point - something to walk with my wife when I'm not available. And this is where this Sony aberration just annoys me, it's not a dog replacement or simulation it's a dog shaped spying toy. I don't want to have an electronic, social media enabled, privacy invading, four legged friend... just a dog without all the crap.
This Furby wannabe can go and spy on someone else.
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(Score: 2) by DannyB on Friday November 03 2017, @08:52PM (1 child)
Another factor to consider is vacation. Several times a year you must find someone to care for your (non robot) dog.
With a robot dog, you could just switch it off and leave it home. Or take it with you, as long as hotels, airlines and destinations will permit robot dogs.
Thank goodness the 1st amendment forces people to listen to you and agree with you.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday November 03 2017, @09:51PM
Nice problem to have, I'd be happy to just have one per year. Oh hell, I'd just like a job in my field of study that didn't pay peanuts and treat me like a number...