Sony to Start ‘Foster Parent Program’ for Aibo Dog Robots
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/aibo.jpg)
Aibo dog robots launched by Sony Group Corp. in 2018
1:00 JST, September 18, 2023
Sony Group Corp. has started a “foster parent program” for unwanted Aibo dog robots to transfer them from their owners to hospitals and nursing care facilities.
Aiming to increase the use of Aibos, the company will connect owners who do not want to throw away their robot dogs with facilities that will use them to give comfort to patients and others.
Sony receives the robots from owners and performs work on them, such as deleting personal data. Then, the company will offer the Aibos to facilities that want them. Sony in December will begin seeking facilities that want to join the program.
Aibo is equipped with artificial intelligence and develops through interactions with owners and other activities. It is capable of identifying and distinguishing people and reading facial expressions. The robot was launched in 1999, but production was suspended in 2006 due to sluggish sales. However, a new model was launched in 2018.
"Science & Nature" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Project to Mass Produce Japanese Glass Eels Succeeds in Reducing Costs; Pilot Scheme Brings Down Costs to ¥1,800 Per Fish
-
Namibia Fossil is ‘Swamp Thing’ with Menacing Fangs
-
Drones, Smartphones to Be Used to Assess Flood Damage; Cabinet Office Approves Tech to Speed up Disaster Certificate Issuance
-
3rd H3 Rocket Launched Successfully; Daichi-4 Satellite Shot into Orbit (UPDATE 2)
-
Japan to Promote Development of New Research Reactors to Achieve Decarbonization; Ministry Eyes Nuclear Power as ‘Leading Option’
JN ACCESS RANKING