Key Facts
• 1999: Sony launched AIBO, the first AI-powered pet robot, priced at $25,000.
• 2006: AIBO production ceased; 2018: Relaunched as ‘aibo’ with enhanced realism.
• Aibo’s key feature: self-learning, recognizing objects, and responding to touch.
• Aibo is manufactured in Koda Town, Japan, now known as its ‘sacred site.’
• Koda Town hosts Aibo-themed events, including ‘Shichi-Go-San’ ceremonies since 2022.
• Aibo repair services are provided by specialists like Masanobu Onoue in Matsuyama.
• New AI pet robots include LOVOT, RoBoHoN, and Moflin, offering diverse features.
• Moflin, launched by Casio in November 2024, sold over 7,000 units in 8 months.
• Moflin’s personality evolves based on interaction, with 400 million combinations.
• Owners describe AI pets as family, providing emotional support and companionship.
Summary
Since its debut in 1999, Sony’s AIBO has revolutionized the concept of pet robots, blending AI with emotional interaction. Relaunched in 2018 as ‘aibo,’ it continues to captivate owners with its lifelike behavior and self-learning capabilities. Koda Town, Japan, has become a hub for Aibo enthusiasts, hosting events and offering repair services for older models. Meanwhile, new AI-powered robots like LOVOT, RoBoHoN, and Moflin are expanding the market. Moflin, launched in 2024, features adaptive personalities shaped by user interaction, with over 400 million unique combinations. Owners cherish these robots as family members, highlighting their emotional value and companionship. The evolution of AI pet robots underscores their growing role in modern households.
