Sony is halting sales of its robotic puppy "aibo" in Japan, the company said, eight years after the latest model of its interactive android pet became an instant hit.
The announcement marks the end of an era for loyal fans of the high-tech toy, which develops its own personality and can perform tricks like waving and mimicking its owner.
The ERS-1000 model of aibo -- a 30-centimeter long hound with flapping ears, eyes that show various emotions, and a nose camera -- charmed customers on its launch in 2018, clocking up 20,000 sales in the first six months.
It was also a big comeback for Sony's robot dog.
The first iteration of aibo came out in 1999, followed by numerous models over the years -- from angular metallic-silver bots to more cuddly round-faced versions -- with more than 150,000 units sold.
But by 2006, Sony, facing a tough business environment, pulled the plug on aibo, seen as something of a frivolous luxury.
Sony said in a short statement Thursday that Japan sales of the current ERS-1000 model will be discontinued once stock runs out.
Services such as access to tech support, replacement parts and subscriptions to online cloud plans to store the robodog's memories will be maintained, it said.
The company did not immediately respond to questions from AFP on plans for a potential new generation of aibo, or on sales in the United States, where it retails for more than $3,000.
But in Japan, fans had a vocal reaction to the news.
"I've been in a daze ever since I saw the announcement. Until more information comes out, I need to be careful not to mess up my daily life from overthinking," wrote X user Yachi.
"So it's over already? It didn't last until the golden age of physical AI," Yusuke Ando wrote.
Another X user called Daiyamondo had a suggestion for Sony: "Next time you develop one, could you make it half the size, and cat-shaped?"
© 2026 AFP
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Toshihiro
I remember when this first came out, I wanted to have one despite being surrounded by real cats and dogs because I just wanted a robot companion, and I heckled at my parents to get me one. I just ended up with a toy imitation that moved when you pulled a string.
More than two decades later, it's sad to see these bid farewell. Pretty sure countless of lives have been made happier by these cyborg canines in those years. Nothing beats a flesh and blood dog, that's for sure.
sakurasuki
Another the end of era of Japan, where's those robots in this first place.
https://www.reddit.com/r/robotics/comments/1j78abv/where_is_japan_in_robotics/
The fact is surprising anyone, Robot isn't exclusive to Japan.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/global/why-its-nearly-impossible-build-robot-without-china
travelbangaijin
The Unitree Go2 Pro is the same price and can go jogging with you and patrol your home at night...
WoodyLee
Poor Aibo.
YeahRight
Yachi needs to get a life. Overthinking the end of a consumer electronics product? Try not to cramp any muscles.
kohakuebisu
When the original came out, it was a symbol of Japanese high tech pride. Honda's ASIMO robots too.
I heard there was a lot of trouble between Sony and original AIBO owners, who reverse-engineered the firmware and got their old dogs to do new tricks. Sony took the typical corporate position of this being IP infringement and banned the user firmware. Control and restrictions on software/firmware is now a big issue for electronic devices. Its now common for companies to cripple existing features or turn them into online only (privacy issues) or paid services.
sakurasuki
@kohakuebisu
That really happened, hobbyist can add value to the brand, however the approach being taken isn't helpful.
https://makezine.com/article/craft/sonys-war-on-makers-hackers-and-innovators/
https://www.eff.org/pages/unintended-consequences-seven-years-under-dmca
ian
Well yeah they have to make new ones to face the current environment