WHAT IS SONY'S AIBO ROBOTIC DOG?
Sony rolled out the first-generation AIBO in June 1999, with the initial batch of 3,000 selling out in just 20 minutes, despite the hefty 250,000 yen (more than $2,000 or £1,500) price tag.
Over the following years, more than 150,000 units were sold, in numerous iterations, ranging from gleaming metallic-silver versions to round-faced cub-like models.
By 2006, however, Sony's business was in trouble and the AIBO, an expensive and somewhat frivolous luxury, had to go.
Last year, Sony revived AIBO with a new version of the 30-centimetre (one foot) hound which costs around £1,300 ($1,750).
AIBO is billed as a pet that behaves like a puppy using artificial intelligence (AI) to learn and interact with its owner and surroundings.
Sony has revived AIBO, a robot that learns how to interact with its owner and is 'capable of building loving relationships', according to Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai. The new version of the 30-centimetre (one foot) hound will launch in Japan in January (pictured)
The reborn AIBO features new actuator technology allowing it move more smoothly and naturally like a real dog.
With sensing and AI technologies, AIBO can run toward its owner and detect smiles and words of praise, and can remember what actions please the owner.
Its eyes are made of organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays making it capable of diverse expressions.
The robot comes with an array of sensors, cameras and microphones and boasts internet connectivity, allowing owners to play with the pet remotely via smartphone.
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