Sony’s Robot Dog Now Eats Virtual Food

Sony‘s Aibo robot dog pet is getting a special edition, and will now be able to do things that make it act more like its real-life counterpart, such as eating. However, owners might have to get additional accessories before doing so. As companies develop robots that could replace the working force, Sony has been busy producing a mechanical version of man’s best friend for years now.

Aibo was among the first commercially-available robots for consumers, making its public debut back in 1999. It utilized artificial intelligence to interact with humans in unique ways, with earlier models initially coming with dark screen panels that make up most of its face. However, later versions like the ERS-1000 that released in 2018, came with a pair of eyes that appear more lifelike, with dynamically changing display to convey various emotions. Unlike robots that own the dance floor, these dog-like automatons are designed to rule the living room instead, given their ability to learn from their environment and constantly expand their capabilities over time.

Now, Aibo can add eating and drinking to its broad range of activities as well. In a press release, Sony announced the arrival of two new accessories that allow the robotic puppy to chow down or re-hydrate, in the form of food and water bowls aptly named, aiboFB and aiboWB. Both accessories come in different colors and are sold separately at $20 each. The company also introduced a limited-edition variant of the ERS-1000, dubbed the “Black Sesame Edition.” It comes in a two-tone dark gray and white body, along with four exclusive eye-colors, and costs as much as the regular model at $2,899.

Things Aibo Can Do: How Does Feeding Work?

Aibo might not have the ability to chase cars, but at least owners won’t have to worry about buying dog food on a monthly basis, as feeding is done via augmented reality. Using the My Aibo app, owners can get various food and drink items, and pour the contents onto the Aibo’s respective bowls by tilting their smartphone. Aibo can also be fed without the app by simply saying “Time for food.” However, the food itself won’t appear in AR mode without the particular bowls, though.

Feeding Aibo enough will earn owners stamps that can grant them special treats, which, depending on the type of snack being fed, will make the robodog perform various tricks. Of course, the whole process is optional, and refraining from it won’t make Aibo feel cranky or neglected. For those wondering what else this mechanical pet can do, it’s capable of playing with toys, recognizing a hundred faces, learning songs, taking pictures, and mimicking its owner or other animals, like cats or mice, just to name a few. Despite being quite ostentatious for a pet, Aibo’s still nowhere near among the most expensive robot dogs money can buy.

More: Watch This Four-Legged Robot Scale A Mountain Faster Than A Human

Source: Sony

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Kyle Encina
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Kyle Encina is a writer with over five years of professional experience, covering topics ranging from viral entertainment news, politics and movie reviews to tech, gaming and even cryptocurrency. During his free time, he indulges in composing melodies, listening to inspiring symphonies, physical activities, writing fictional fantasies (stories) and of course, gaming like a madman!

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