CES 2018: Meet Aibo, the robot dog

Sony's robot dog has learned some new tricks.  (CNN, 1/10/2018)

Budget gushes over this cuter reboot.  The electronics company launched the first generation of Aibo -- short for artificial intelligence robot -- in 1999. It hoped the dog would charm consumers and get them excited about using artificial intelligence. At first, the robotic pup was very popular. All 3,000 available units sold out in 20 minutes online. Although the company unveiled two more Aibo generations, interest faded as cheaper robots entered the market. Sony eventually ended production of Aibo in 2006.

You can purchase the original version through Amazon -- for $8,900 + $4.49 shipping.

Related reading:
Sony's new Aibo pet robot goes on sale tonight in Japan.  (engadget, 10/31/2017)

Selling for the equivalent of about $1,739 (US).  However.....

Of course, because this is 2017, not only is the new Aibo powered by AI (that learns and develops a unique personality over time) but it's also connected to the cloud. An Aibo Basic Plan subscription not only backs up your robot's unique identity but also turns on the connection for owners to access their remote via WiFi or a mobile connection. It costs about $27 per month, while a 3-year subscription can be purchased upfront for 90,000 yen ($790). 

You'll need the subscription for your pet's AI tendencies to develop and to use its My Aibo app (on iOS, Android and the web) that can manage settings, access photos and play with a virtual version of the dog. 

 
Other CES 2018 posts:
File this Modius Health headset under 'absurd'.  (1/16/.2018)
The creepy underbelly of CES 2018. Robot strippers.  (1/14/2018)  
Toyota introduces e-Patette, autonomous vehicle, modular store.  (1/14/2018)
Meet AvatarMind's iPal.  (1/12/2018)
Security robot Nimbo scares away the bad guys.  (1/12/2018)
Concept robots designed to eliminate service sector jobs.  (1/5/2018)
Travelmate Robotics suitcase.  (1/5/2018)
Samsung's GoBreath.  (1/3/2018)
A robot that plays Scrabble without making a mess.  (1/1/2018)
Keratase hair coach.  (12/23/2017)
Travis the Translator.  (12/20/2017)
Pro-Protection toothbrush holder.  (12/19/2017)
PetMio smart technology.  (12/18/2017)
Rinspeed Snap concept vehicle.  (12/17/2017)
SignAll, an automated sign language translator.  (12/13/2017) 
Homni sleep solution.  (12/11/2017)
Guz 2 electronic dartboard connects you to the world.  (11/22/2017)
I assume the SureFly will also be able to carry women.  (11/21/2017)
Now you can party every day and rock all night at any age.  (11/17/2017)
Pointivo.  (11/17/2017)
Jibo, the social robot, makes the cover of TIME.  (11/17/2017)