AIBO
(Artificial Intelligence roBOt) A battery-operated robotic dog from Sony that behaves like a living animal, learning and growing through experience. Capable of autonomous behavior, AIBO understands voice commands, and it simulates instincts and feelings with sound and action. AIBO also means pal, or companion, in Japanese.
Sold Out in 20 Minutes, But Later Dropped
In June 1999, the first batch of 3,000 AIBOs sold out in 20 minutes over the Internet at $2,500 each. By 2003, third-generation AIBOs were released at $1,599 with wireless connectivity, touch-sensor technology, owner's voice and visual face pattern recognition and the ability to "raise it" from a puppy. In 2006, despite the novelty and sales of more than 150,000 units, Sony canceled the AIBO line, citing its lack of mainstream consumer appeal. The company said its robotics technologies would be put to use in future products.
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| AIBO Was a Popular Companion |
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| A cyberpet that takes orders. Preprogrammed behavioral patterns let AIBO perform tricks and express emotions. (Image courtesy of Sony Corporation) |