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JAPAN NEWS / YOMIURI
Sony’s robotic puppy aibo will be sold in the United States beginning this month.
NEW YORK >> Sony announced it would release the latest model of its autonomous robotic puppy aibo in the United States in September.
It will be the first release overseas since its launch in Japan in January.
“This is truly a one-of-a-kind product designed to connect with its owners on an emotional level,” said Michael Fasulo, president and chief operating officer of Sony Electronics North America, an affiliate of Sony Corp.
He said the robot learns through interaction with users by utilizing artificial intelligence and other technology.
At August’s unveiling event, the robotic dog showed off its ability to react when people call or to play with a ball, eliciting such cries from onlookers as “Super cute!”
The U.S. retail price of the robotic dog with accessories is $2,899. In Japan, more than 20,000 units have been sold.
Senior Vice President Izumi Kawanishi said, “We want to take this momentum in Japan to the United States.”
The company plans to sell aibo in other countries in the future.
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