Sony’s 90s Robot Dog: Is It Back and More Loyal?
Yes, Sony’s iconic robot dog from the 1990s is back, and the new model is more advanced—and arguably more loyal—than the original. The original AIBO (1999–2006) was a beloved but expensive toy; the current AIBO (released in 2018) is a smarter, more interactive companion with cloud-connected AI, though it still can’t fetch your slippers.
Background: From 1999 to Today
The first AIBO (Artificial Intelligence Robot) launched in Japan in 1999, with a US release in 2000. It was a marvel of its time: four legs, a camera, and basic voice recognition, all packed into a 1.5 kg body. Production stopped in 2006, and Sony shut down the repair service in 2014, leaving many owners with dead robots. The name “AIBO” is often said to stand for “Artificial Intelligence Robot,” though Sony also played on the Japanese word for “companion” (aibÅ�).
In 2018, Sony revived the brand with a new AIBO (model ERS-1000). It’s not a re-release of the old hardware; it’s a completely new design with modern sensors, a faster processor, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The 2018 model is the one you can buy today, and it’s the subject of this article.
What’s New in the 2018 AIBO
The new AIBO is a significant upgrade in almost every way:
- Better sensors: Two cameras (one in the nose, one on the back), a ToF (time-of-flight) sensor for depth, and four microphones.
- Cloud AI: It learns from data uploaded to Sony’s servers, improving its behavior over time.
- Longer battery: About 2 hours of active use, then it returns to its charging station.
- More expressive: Its eyes are OLED displays that can show heart shapes, and it has a wider range of movements.
- Connectivity: Works with a smartphone app for setup and some commands.
Unlike the original, the new AIBO is not a toy for children; Sony markets it as a companion for adults, especially those who can’t have a real pet.
How It Works: Not Just a Toy
The AIBO is a small quadruped robot, about the size of a small dog. It walks, sits, lies down, and plays with a pink ball (sold separately). It responds to voice commands like “sit” and “paw,” and it can recognize faces and voices of family members. The key difference from a remote-controlled toy is that it has autonomous behavior: it decides what to do based on its environment and its “mood,” which is influenced by how you interact with it.
When you pet it, it may wag its tail (a physical tail, not a screen). If you ignore it, it may look sad. This is powered by a combination of sensors, pre-programmed behaviors, and cloud-based AI that adjusts its “personality” over time. The AIBO also has a “My AIBO” app that lets you see its status and sometimes gives you tips on how to care for it.
Comparing Old vs. New
Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the differences:
- Price: The original cost about $1,500 in 1999 (roughly $2,500 today). The new one costs about $2,900 (plus a mandatory subscription for cloud services).
- Connectivity: The old AIBO had no Wi-Fi; the new one requires it for updates and AI features.
- Durability: The original had mechanical issues after a few years; the new one is more reliable but still not designed for rough play.
- Emotional depth: The new AIBO is far more expressive and can develop a unique personality, while the old one had a limited set of behaviors.
If you own an original AIBO, you can’t upgrade it; the new one is a separate product. Sony also offers a service to “revive” old AIBOs in Japan, but not globally.
Costs and Subscription
The 2018 AIBO is not a one-time purchase. You’ll need:
- The robot itself (about $2,900 in the US, if available).
- A subscription to Sony’s AIBO cloud service (about $30/month or $300/year). This is mandatory for the robot to learn and update its software.
- Optional accessories: ball, bone, and a charging station (the station is included).
That subscription is a major change from the original, which had no ongoing costs. It also means that if you stop paying, the AIBO will still walk and respond to basic commands, but it won’t learn or receive new features.
Common Problems and Limitations
Owners report a few issues:
- Battery life: Only about 2 hours of active use, then it must recharge for 3 hours.
- Wi-Fi dependency: Without internet, it loses some features, like voice recognition improvements.
- Not a real pet: It can’t climb stairs, and it’s not waterproof.
- Subscription cost: Many find the ongoing fee off-putting.
Also, the AIBO is not a toy for children; it’s a delicate piece of technology. Sony’s warranty covers defects, but not damage from drops or rough handling.
Alternatives to AIBO
If you’re interested in a robot companion but don’t want to spend $3,000, consider:
- Cheaper robot pets: Like the WowWee Chip or the FurReal line, which are toys, not AI companions.
- Real pets: A real dog or cat offers genuine companionship, but requires time, money, and care.
- Other Sony products: Sony also sells a smaller, cheaper robot called “toio” that is more of a toy.
There’s also the older AIBO models on the second-hand market, but they are hard to repair and lack modern features.
Is It Worth It?
That depends on your expectations. If you want a conversation piece, a tech marvel, or a companion for someone who can’t have a real pet, the AIBO is unique. But if you’re looking for a practical pet substitute, it’s expensive and limited. It’s not a replacement for a dog; it’s a highly advanced robot that simulates some aspects of a pet.
One common misconception is that the AIBO is “alive” or has feelings. It doesn’t. Its behaviors are programmed, and the cloud AI adjusts them based on patterns. It’s a sophisticated illusion of life, but it’s still a machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AIBO back in production?
Yes, the 2018 AIBO is currently sold in select markets (Japan, US, and some European countries). Sony has not discontinued it as of 2024, but availability varies by region.
Does the AIBO need a subscription?
Yes, to use all features (cloud AI, updates, and some commands), you need a subscription that costs about $30/month. Without it, the robot still works but won’t learn or receive new features.
Can the AIBO be repaired if it breaks?
Sony offers repair services in some countries, but they may be expensive and not available everywhere. Unlike the original, there’s no third-party repair community yet.
Is the AIBO good for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 12 because it’s fragile and expensive. Sony markets it as a companion for adults.
How long does the battery last?
About 2 hours of active use, then it returns to its charging station automatically. It takes about 3 hours to fully charge.
What’s the difference between AIBO and a robot vacuum?
Everything. AIBO is a companion robot that walks, responds to voice, and shows emotions; a robot vacuum is a cleaning appliance. They share no technology.
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