Sony releases Aibo Kinako Edition robotic dog in two-tone light brown and white
Sony has released a limited-edition Aibo robotic dog in a two-tone kinako color. The light brown and white-colored Aibo also has two new eye colors – bright auburn and glossy dark brown – that can be changed using the My Aibo app. The Kinako edition for 2024 celebrates the sixth anniversary of the launch of the latest generation of Aibos.
The Sony Aibo is a robotic dog with cloud-hosted AI services that allow the Aibo to recognize individuals, take photos of memorable moments, learn new tricks, navigate rooms, and develop a personality that is unique to each dog and owner and their unique interactions. With the exception of the body and eye color and the limited-edition collar, the Aibo Kinako Edition is identical in functionality to other Aibos.
Development of the first generation began in 1998, with the consumer launch occurring in 1999. Four generations of Aibos have been released since then, with the latest ERS-1000 model being released in 2018 as an Ivory White edition, and additional limited-edition colors followed – the 2019 Choco edition, the 2020 Caramel edition, the 2021 Black Sesame edition, the 2022 Strawberry Milk edition, and the 2023 Espresso edition.
The Aibo ERS-1000 uses a 64-bit quad-core CPU to control multiple actuators in the head, mouth, neck, waist, paws, legs, ears, and tail, providing flexible movement across 22 axes. Two front-facing cameras, speaker, and four microphones along with time-of-flight, ranging, pressure, capacitive, motion, gyro, acceleration, and light sensors give the Aibo the ability to interact with the world. This requires an Aibo Basic Plan subscription using its built-in LTE 4G cellular modem to access cloud-hosted AI services.
The Aibo measures approximately 7.0 x 11.4 x 11.9 inches (180 x 293 x 305 mm) and weighs 4.85 pounds (2.2 kg). The dog has a runtime of two hours with a recharge time of 3 hours.
The Aibo Kinako Edition and matching collar are available until supplies run out. The 2024 edition is available for purchase at Sony Stores in Japan or online for a one-time purchase price of 272,800 yen (~$1,880). The Aibo Basic Plan subscription requires an initial payment of 99,000 yen (~$680) followed by a monthly subscription of 3,278 yen (~$23) on a three-year contract. Parents who don't want to spend that much on a robotic dog can pick up a cheaper one for their children (like this one on Amazon).
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July 25, 2024
Entertainment robot "aibo" 2024 color model "aibo Kinako Edition" released
It will be unveiled for the first time at the aibo fan meeting held on Saturday, July 27
To commemorate the sixth anniversary of the launch of the ERS-1000 autonomous entertainment robot, Sony Group Corporation will release the 2024 color model "aibo Kinako Edition" on Thursday, August 8, 2024. This model will be available for order from 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1 at Sony Store Online, Sony's direct online sales site, and Sony Store directly managed stores.
In addition, at the aibo Fan Meeting Vol.18 to be held in Tokyo on Saturday, July 27th, we will unveil the Kinako Edition in advance and prepare a corner where you can interact with each other.
The "aibo Kinako Edition" is the first aibo model to use two colors on the face, creating a charming design that is light in color but gives a sense of liveliness. (Color name: Kinako)
In addition, we have prepared two special colors of eyes (kappa tsuna tobi color / squishy dark brown) only for the Kinako edition. You can enjoy the friendly look that stands out for the cuteness of the Kinako edition.
In addition, we will carry out a campaign to give customers who order this product an aibo collar that matches the color of the main unit. ※1
The Sony Group will continue to develop new products and services so that aibo will be loved by owners and become a partner that grows together.
About the pre-release at the aibo fan meeting
At the aibo Fan Meeting Vol.18 (KITTE Marunouchi 1st floor) to be held in Tokyo on Saturday, July 27, 2024, we will be one of the first to prepare a corner where you can interact with Kinako Edition.
Click here for details of aibo Fan Meeting Vol.18
In addition, the Kinako Edition will be introduced at the aibo Fan Meeting Vol.18 aibo Lounge, which is scheduled to be streamed online from 20:00 today, Thursday, July 25th.
Click here for the distribution of the aibo lounge * Archive viewing is also available.
Sony Stores will exhibit the "aibo Kinako Edition" from Sunday, July 28.
About the sale of "aibo Kinako Edition"
From 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024, Sony will begin accepting orders at Sony Store Online, Sony's direct online sales site, and at Sony Store stores nationwide (Ginza, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka Tenjin).
Shipments will start sequentially from Thursday, August 8th.
Sales will end as soon as the maximum number of production is reached.
Product/Service Sony Store selling price (tax included) Scheduled release / service start date
Entertainment robot "aibo Kinako Edition"
"ERS-1000" JPY 272,800 Shipments start on August 8, 2024
aibo Basic Plan 3 years One-time payment Monthly
JPY 99,000 ¥3,278/month (36 times)
aibo Care Support 3 years Year
JPY 59,400 JPY 22,000
Main Specifications
The "aibo Kinako Edition" (color name: Kinako) differs from the regular model (color name: Ivory White) in the color of the head, ears, cheeks, torso, armpits, waist, legs, tail, and joints. There is no difference in other hardware specifications.
For more information on the aibo Kinako Edition, please refer to the dedicated website.
Revision of aibo main unit price
In light of the recent soaring costs due to the impact of the external environment, the main unit price of aibo*2 will be revised from 217,800 yen (including tax) to 272,800 yen (including tax) from 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
There will be no price revisions for various plans and support other than aibo's main unit price.
Orders placed before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1 will be sold at the price before the revision, but may be terminated without notice as soon as supplies are exhausted.
※1 This campaign will end as soon as the planned number of collars is reached.
※2 All models sold as of 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1 are eligible.
※ aiboaibo is a trademark of Sony Group Corporation.
※ Other company and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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