Sony is halting Japan sales of its Aibo robotic puppy, the ERS-1000 model that launched in 2018 and sold 20,000 units in its first six months. The company will maintain support services but has not announced plans for a successor or clarified the status of U.S. sales, where the robot costs more than $3,000.
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Sony announced Thursday that it will discontinue Japan sales of the ERS-1000 model of Aibo — a 30-centimeter-long robotic dog with animated ears, expressive eyes, and a nose camera — once current stock runs out. The company will maintain support services including tech support, replacement parts, and cloud subscriptions for existing owners.
Why it matters
Aibo's discontinuation marks the end of Sony's second run with the product; the original line sold more than 150,000 units before Sony stopped production in 2006, citing a tough business environment. The ERS-1000 had sold 20,000 units in its first six months after launch, suggesting the robot dog had regained consumer interest, but the decision to stop suggests Sony has concluded the Japan market no longer justifies continued sales.
What to watch
Sony has not disclosed plans for a next-generation Aibo or confirmed the status of sales in the United States, where the ERS-1000 retails for more than $3,000. The company's silence on future robot dog development leaves the timeline for any comeback unclear.
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