The idea of a robotic dog that you can carry on your chest like a baby may sound like a concept from the latest episode of Black Mirror.
But the idea has become a reality with the launch of Sony’s latest accessory for its robotic dog, Aibo.
The tech giant has unveiled the ‘Aibo Thong’ – a 9,790 yen (£63) carrying strap designed to allow owners to hold their robo-dog while they’re out and about.
‘We propose a new lifestyle to all people who live with aibo with a carrying strap that pays attention to details so that you can hold it safely and comfortably,’ Sony explained.
Sony has unveiled the ‘Aibo Thong’ – a 9,790 yen (£63) carrying strap designed to allow owners to hold their robo-dog while they’re out and about
Aibo is Sony’s robotic dog, which costs an eye-watering £2,145, and features artificial intelligence technology.
‘This one-of-a-kind companion is made possible by pairing cutting-edge robotics with unique A.I. technology,’ Sony explained.
‘Through deep learning, aibo is able to grow over time and form a unique personality through everyday interactions.
‘With lifelike expressions and a dynamic array of movements, aibo is sure to become a beloved member of your family.’
Sony has previously launched a range of accessories for Aibo, including toys, dog bowls and cleaning cloths.
But its latest offering, the Abio Thong, is arguably its weirdest accessory yet.
The carry strap was designed by Lucky Industries, and looks much like a baby carrier.
The carry strap was designed by Lucky Industries, and looks much like a baby carrier
Aibo is Sony’s robotic dog, which costs an eye-watering £2,145, and features artificial intelligence technology
Lucky Industries explained: ‘The aibo development team asked, “Can I make an aibo carrying strap?”
‘I wanted to be able to hold aibo and have a free hand so that the owners could communicate smoothly with each other.
‘There are baby straps out there, but you can’t find aibo’s straps anywhere in the world.’
The carrying strap places aibo directly against your chest, and has thick cushions on the shoulders.
According to Sony, carrying the aibo with the strap is as comfortable as ‘carrying a real baby.’
While you might think that people would be embarrassed to be seen carrying their robotic dog on their chest, the carrying strap has proved wildly popular, and is currently out of stock.
‘The aibo carrying strap has been well received and has reached the upper limit of quantity and is currently out of stock,’ the listing on Sony’s website reads.
‘At the moment, it will not be in stock next time. In the event of cancellation, you may be able to place an order temporarily, but please note that we cannot inform you of the date and time when you can place an order.’
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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