This article was 1st published on our sister Site, The Internet Of All Things.
Sony is launching a special “First Litter Edition” of its acclaimed ‘aibo’ autonomous robotic “puppy” companion in the United States (US). But this time it will be more smarter than its first version in 1999.
Following the recent reintroduction of aibo in Japan, for the US, it will be a limited, all-in-one aibo bundle that includes the aibo, a three-year AI Cloud Plan, a fun assortment of aibo toys, and an individually numbered commemorative dog tag.
First introduced in 1999, the latest design of aibo is the sixth generation of Sony’s beloved companion robot. Unlike previous versions, it pairs cutting-edge robotics with a new, Cloud-connected Artificial Intelligence (AI) engine and advanced image sensors, giving aibo the ability to learn and recognise faces. As aibo interacts with people over time, it develops its own unique personality through everyday interactions, enabling it to remember what actions make its owner happy and form a deep bond with members of the household.
Image: Sony aibo 2 (PRNewsfoto/Sony Electronics Inc.)
What is even more amazing, according to Sony, is that no two aibo companion robots are the same. Each owner’s approach to raising their aibo shapes its personality, behavior and knowledge, creating a unique environment for growth. In fact, aibo is able to learn new tricks through owners’ interactions, experiences with changing seasons and different events. Not content to sit and wait to be beckoned, aibo will actively seek out its owners and can recognize their faces. It can also detect words of praise and smiles, as well as react to being petted or scratched on the head.
“This is truly a one-of-a-kind product designed to connect with its owners on an emotional level,” said Mike Fasulo, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Sony Electronics North America, in a statement. “Bringing aibo back to the US reflects Sony’s broader commitment to provide consumers with products that not only entertain them, but also enrich their lives.”
The three-year AI Cloud Plan included in the First Litter Edition bundle enables aibo to upload its day-to-day life experiences to Sony’s leading-edge AI engine. This database of memories is accessed to form each aibo’s unique personality, which grows and evolves over time. The aibo AI Cloud Plan also enables users to enjoy the full range of aibo features via Wi-Fi connection at home or a mobile connection on the go.
Sony’s latest generation aibo is one of the products of the Company’s broader commitment to technology innovation, particularly in the areas of AI, robotics and image sensing. This commitment has enabled Sony to achieve other innovations in these areas, such as its Neural Network Console, an integrated software development environment for creating deep learning programs for artificial intelligence; Sony’s recent agreement with Carnegie Mellon University to collaborate on artificial intelligence and robotics research; and the introduction of a compact CMOS image sensor with resolution rivaling SLR cameras.
