Old dog, new tricks: Sony unveils 'intelligent' robot pet Aibo

I still recall when the original Aibo was released quiet sometime ago.

Wonder if you can still program it?

Since that time virtual pets have come and gone, they can help elderly or disabled people.

I can see the appeal for some more senior people, but its not for me, the advantage is that they won't have a poop on your carpet/tatarmi mat, or need feeding. the main news article says that it can learn etc, this robot is probably more intelligent than one of my girlfriends. in fact there are some striking similarities, both can't cook, neither wash up or clean the house, don't do shopping, both absorb electricity and light, but the robot dog does have its advantages, you can turn it off to shut it up, its more intelligent, probably hold a more intellectual conversation, does as its told, cost less to run and maintain.

If a Family is in poverty, then having a Pet (of anytype) would be nonsensical, and indeed cruel to both the Family and the Pet.

For People who wish to have a Pet to play with, but don't wish to have to walk it, or clean up after it, then.. why not, a Robot Dog (hopefully it's upgradable).

Now what will be the impact to Dogs and Dog breeders.... ?

more unnecessary garbage inventions that nobody will buy or need

Remember this day as the beginning of robots replacing dogs as the best friends to humans. This is the future to come. Deal with it.

@ Risky,

Hahaha, well, that IS my point. But if you're satisfied with your taxes lining the pockets of old men, rather than contributing to the greater good of society, that's fair enough.

People can buy whatever they like.

I wish that were true. I certainly can't. Lucky you.

@RiskyMosaic

(sorry to all to be dragged off topic, but it needs to said):

People can buy whatever they like.

Your outrage is misdirected; you should be angry at the Government. There's plenty of tax revenue to solve the problem...if it's used correctly.

Dead body of human/animal generally needs coffin but not for machine. It seems just neat case with shock absorber.

No, I thought "coffin" the second I saw the picture.

I have an actual dog. He's more intelligent - and thus more affectionate - than any robot will ever be.

Am I the only one to think the main photo looks like a robot dog coffin?

I like the re-design.

One more small step towards Utopia!

It looks like more people buy such robot pets as they are getting older and can't have real pets in house if they may die earlier than real pets.

The first edition sold out in 20 minutes

yeah because they only made 100

Yes, something completely unnecessary!

The irony is that there are thouands of real animals bought and discarded by their owners every year.

I took in two animals from Ark and paid only twenty thousand yen for the shots and micro chipping etc.

In fact, one of them is curled up against me, purring contentedly....,

Dango,

The first edition sold out in 20 minutes. People will buy it. Need it? Maybe some who want to start a family and think a robot dog will be just the thing.

you could be using your knowledge and technology to make something at least semi-practical....

The previous version at least looked like a robot dog and didn't have a creepy smile on its face

more unnecessary garbage inventions that nobody will buy or need