Sony has re-launched its robot dog after a decade hiatus. Aibo is a self-learning terrier with built-in facial recognition technology. It develops favorites and gets under foot. It wanders around on its own volition. It doesn't need housetraining. There's been a clamor in the office for an office dog. Maybe this is our answer.
The eery part is like Amazon Echo of Google Home, Aibo is always listening and has its own cellular connection. I wonder what Sony will be doing with all the data.
Earlier this year, researchers published a study that showed people struggle to power down a pleading (humanoid) robot — refusing to shut it off or taking more than twice the amount of time to pull the plug. The lesson: We’re inclined to treat electronic media as living beings. When it came time to switch off my test robo-pup and send it back to Sony, Aibo didn’t plead or howl. But I felt sad nonetheless.
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