NEWSWORTHY
Business / Tech Jul 19, 2018
Sony starts taking advance orders for new version of Aibo robot dog
Sony Corp. started accepting advance orders Thursday in Japan for its new artificial intelligence-equipped Aibo robot dog, making it possible for every would-be buyer to own the electric pet amid greater-than-expected demand. In January when Sony released an upgraded version of AIBO — its predecessor ...
National May 1, 2018
In Japan, Aibo robots get their own funeral
by Miwa Suzuki
The robot dogs lined up in their dozens last Thursday in Chiba Prefecture were no tech fair display. They were the dearly departed being honored with their own traditional "funeral." In some respects, it was a funeral like any other in Japan, with incense smoke ...
National Mar 30, 2018
Robots making inroads in Japan's elder care facilities, but costs still high
by Malcolm Foster
Paro the furry seal cries softly while an elderly woman pets it. Pepper, a humanoid, waves while leading a seniors' exercise group. The upright Tree guides a disabled man taking shaky steps, saying in a gentle feminine voice, "right, left, well done!" Robots have the ...
National Mar 22, 2018
Aibo owners urge Sony to restore repair services for beloved, early-model robot dogs
Owners of Sony Corp.'s Aibo robot dogs are asking the electronics maker to review its policy of discontinuing repairs seven years after a product is terminated, contending it will result in the toys' "deaths." Sony released a revamped Aibo model in January, marking its return ...
Business / Tech Jan 11, 2018
After 12-year wait, Sony relaunches robot dog Aibo to much fanfare
by Kazuaki Nagata and Sakura Murakami
Sony Corp. relaunched the Aibo on Thursday, with fans expressing excitement at the second unleashing of the robot dog. The gadget's revival is not just a simple product relaunch but a symbol of Sony's recent resurgence as it vies to play a leading role in ...
Business / Tech Nov 1, 2017
Sony's Aibo makes a comeback: There's life in the old dog yet
by Alex Martin
Sony Corp. said Wednesday it will resurrect Aibo, the robot-dog that inspired a cult following even after it was discontinued over a decade ago. The electronics giant said the new, artificial intelligence-powered Aibo is set to go on sale on Jan. 11 for ¥198,000. New ...
Lifestyle Dec 27, 2014
by Masami Ito
With half the decade complete, we examine an industry that has significantly changed the way we think about ourselves.