Sony to Launch New Aibo Robot Dog in U.S.

August 24, 2018

New York- Japan's Sony Corp said Thursday that it will sell its revived "aibo" robot pet dog in the United States from September, following its domestic launch in January.

Sony aims to highlight its presence in overseas markets with the product, which the company regards as a symbol of a revival of its innovative spirit.

The new aibo is a product fully remodeled from the first-generation AIBO, whose production ended in 2006 after the 1999 launch.

Equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and communications functions, the second-generation aibo develops a unique character individually depending on how its owners interact with it.

The U.S. version only recognizes English. It is priced at 2,899 dollars, including three-year communications fees.

In Japan, the number of aibo shipments reached 20,000 units over about six months from its launch.

"The aibo has been received very well in Japan. We want to keep the momentum when selling it in the United States," Senior Vice President Izumi Kawanishi told a press conference in New York. Jiji Press