The Sony Aibo was a robot revolution dressed like a dog

In the 1990s, Sony harbored a belief that a robot revolution was just around the corner. They envisioned a world where people would coexist with numerous humanoid robots, some serving as coworkers, others as friends, and at least one as a cherished pet. Sony's vision for the ideal family companion was embodied in the creation of Aibo, a robot dog intended to seamlessly integrate into households.

David Pierce, along with The Verge's Victoria Song and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, recounted the remarkable journey of Aibo on the latest episode of Version History. The trio discussed the origins of this extraordinary robot dog, examining its impressive impact and enduring popularity. They also pondered the factors behind the strong emotional connection Aibo fostered with its owners, as well as Sony's successes and failures in robot design. The group contemplated whether the concept of a robo-pet could ever achieve global appeal.

This episode marks the beginning of the sixth season of Version History, which is dedicated to exploring various aspects of pets, gadgets designed for pets, and one specific pet, Aibo. The podcast will be accessible through multiple platforms for the next six weeks, ensuring that listeners never miss an episode. Subscribers can enjoy ad-free access to all Verge podcasts by visiting their account settings.

For those interested in learning more about Aibo, several resources are available. The New York Times described Aibo as a "Smart Dog With Megabytes," while Businessweek called it "This Cute Little Pet Is A Robot." IEEE Spectrum provided a comprehensive overview titled "QRIO: The Robot That Could." Additional resources include guides from The Robots Guide and The Wall Street Journal, discussing Sony's decision to cease supporting Aibo and its impact on pet owners in Japan. The Aibo even found a place in the Museum of Modern Art.