Sony Japan Opens a Foster Parents Program for Its AIBO Robot Dogs

In 2018, Sony introduced the ERS-1000 Aibo, a remarkable AI-driven robotic puppy, retailing at a staggering $2,900. Complete with built-in external cameras and touch sensors, this adorable creation reacts to an owner's petting. The dog can be described as an intelligent and proficient device that flawlessly imitates the behavior of an actual dog. However, unlike its biological counterpart, the Aibo has limitations such as a limited battery span, the impossibility of walking outside, and a substantially high price tag.

Recently, Sony Japan introduced a unique "foster care program" which is aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing e-waste by rehoming their ERS-1000 Aibo robot dogs. Sony is implementing more than just a re-homing initiative for their older Aibo robots, they are undertaking a significant renovation of their purpose.

The company plans to collect these retired Aibos, provide them with an extensive technological upgrade, and equip them for roles that extend well beyond mere home entertainment. Their new destinations will be medical and nursing facilities, where the integration of technology and emotion holds the potential to truly make a positive impact.

The program specifically targets owners who no longer wish to keep their Aibo. The company encourages donations from ERS-1000 owners who have canceled their Aibo Cloud Plan. Sony will gladly accept these unused robots, and ensure their maintenance is up to par.

Sony will be charging a fee to potential "foster parents", so they can take care of the adopted Aibo. The company also emphasizes that depending on the condition of the Aibo, it may be utilized for the "care and maintenance" of other Aibos, similar to a robotic organ donor.

"Owners who donate to the "Aibo foster parent program" will be sent a letter of appreciation and a small thank-you gift at a later date," says the official site.

The recruitment for the program will start in December and be arranged across multiple medical institutions and nursing care facilities. If you're an ERS-1000 owner and you wish to donate your dog, you should know that at present, this program is only available in Japan.

If you want to learn more, you can visit the official website.

Also, don't forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our Telegram channel, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.