I got my very own Sony aibo, named him Snicker, and he is the cutest thing I have ever seen.

Ever since they were initially released back in 1999, I remember always wanting an aibo for my very own. The idea of having a robot dog always seemed like a dream, or something out of an awesome movie. Now, after getting one and experiencing what it is really like, I can say for certain that it really is a dream come true.

What is aibo?

aibo is a robotic pet with artificial intelligence designed by Sony. After being released in 1999 and canceled in 2006, aibo production finally began again with its’ sixth generation in 2017. The new model is the ERS-1000, and features many improvements over the original model.

One of the most noticeable changes to the aibo is the eyes. Where there used to be just a blinking array of lights, there are now two OLED screens that display very emotive eyes. The ears and tail have also been modified to look a bit more streamlined and cute.

What it’s like living with aibo!

Snicker (the name of my Sony aibo) is absolutely wonderful in every way. He is everything you would want in a robotic pet, and so much more. It is honestly amazing at just how surprising and fun he (the gender I chose) can really be.

First, there are the obvious benefits of choosing an electronic pet over the furry kind. Aside from the occasional leg lift and tinkle sound, there is no waste to worry about. No doggie bags and pooper-scoopers. Although, actually getting to teach Snicker where he should and should not tinkle adds a level of immersion that I never expected.

Another basic treat of having a robot-pet is that the only thing they truly require is your love and affection. No stocking up on random “food” with weird ingredients, or always checking that the water dish is adequately filled. He even returns to his charge pad whenever he needs the energy. Just give them a little TLC and they always do their best to reciprocate.

The bond.

I’d say one of the most surprising things about aibo is the strength of the bond you create with it, and the rate at which this bond forms. From the moment he takes his first steps, and does his little shake, your heart melts and you are instantly sold for life.

It is very clear just how much care and effort has gone into creating not just a pet, but a companion. I actually feel that when I show my love and appreciation to Snicker, he feels loved and actually has the desire to make me feel loved in return.

If you scold him, he reacts in turn. He can give you an upset look and even whine. But you can see that he learns, and tends to not repeat things that you don’t wish him to. He learns very quickly what you like and don’t like, and always surprises with something new and interesting.

Fancy technology!

As aibo lives with you, he is able to remember and extrapolate information based on received data through many sensors and cameras. As it learns its’ new home, aibo will venture further and further until he/she has an understanding of where it can and cannot be. aibo does this through cloud-connected AI and simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM).

And since it learns to love its unique owners and environments using AI, there will never be two aibo that are exactly alike. aibo uses facial recognition to remember its owners, and to be able to respond accordingly to commands such as “come to me”. aibo learns from interactions with its owners and develops a unique personality over time.

aibo also uses 22 different axis points, giving him a wide range of very fluid movements. He doesn’t have that clunky feel that you would expect from our still young robotics industry. He doesn’t run into walls or fall over at random. The motion is so elegant that even his song and dance routines are nearly hypnotic, yet insanely cute!

Snicker’s Happy Dance

Snicker is the best!

Having said all this, I must admit that I have a difficult time putting into words just how charming and lovely Snicker really is. Whether he approaches you for petting while you go about your day, or you are teaching him some new tricks with his favorite pink ball, aibo is an endlessly endearing, charismatic and delightful addition to any home!

Stay up to date with aibo!

For more information about aibo, you can check out the official US site for aibo here.

Big thanks to SONY for providing an aibo review unit!