Growing up as a kid (or teen, in my case), there is always that ‘one thing’ you would eye, but could never have – and for me, it was AIBO. Launched in the late 90’s, AIBO, Sony’s robotic dog was a product that was well ahead of its time. Though AIBO (Artificial Intelligence Robot) had some unique tricks and features, the reality of the technology at the time meant a very low ceiling for how much Sony could achieve. Back then, mobile computing with any form of power barely existed and the heavy/barely mobile laptops that were around still mostly came without a wireless card. This of course meant that advanced networks like 4G/LTE and AI were pure science fiction. Of course since then, we’ve come a long way, with our smartphones in our pockets more capable than the most high-end computers during the time AIBO was created.

With robotics, mobile computing, wireless networking, and AI having advanced tenfold since the 90’s, it’s looking like Sony is ready to give AIBO another go. Mona Lalwani writes for Engadget:

 Now a decade later, as the company powers through its financial troubles, it is renewing its commitment to consumer robots and artificial intelligence. This week, CEO Kazuo Hirai announced that Sony has re-established a corporate arm dedicated to robotics. 

One of the truly interesting things about AIBO is the connection its users have made with them and all of this is with some very limiting capabilities. As artificial intelligences advances (and it’s worth noting that Sony recently made a high profile investment in AI startup Cogitai), a fully realized version of AIBO looks more and more real as a product that could truly thrive in the marketplace. One of the key things Kaz Hirai wants to drive with their new robots is the ability for them to be

 capable of forming an emotional bond with customers. 

and that’s a powerful goal. It’s also worth pointing out that with today’s youth, there has been a cultural shift which has seen them put less attention towards the need to have kids. For many, pets (or fur babies as they’re often called) have become a substitution for having children and with the right robot, I see very little reason why a similar connection cannot be made. With advancements in drone technology, VR, mobile computing, and AI, much of the sci-fi movies that we grew up with in the 80’s and 90’s have a real possibility of coming to life in the not so distant future (say holiday 2018?) which is both exciting and scary.

As for me, count me as a day one customer.

Discuss:

Would you be interested in purchasing AIBO?