Sony released the consumer robotic dog AIBO in 1999.
AIBO, whose name combines “Artificial Intelligence Robot” with the Japanese word for “companion,” was Sony’s pioneering entertainment robot. The first model, ERS-110, went on sale in Japan on 1 June 1999. Its motorized legs, sensors, camera, and expressive behavior made it resemble a small autonomous pet rather than a conventional household appliance.
Sony produced several generations and limited editions, with improvements to movement, speech recognition, personality, and networking. AIBO became especially notable because it could behave differently over time, giving owners the impression that it was developing a personality.
The original AIBO line was discontinued in 2006, but Sony revived the brand with a new cloud-connected model in 2018. The 1999 date refers to the first consumer AIBO, not the later revival. AIBO is also distinct from industrial robots, which are designed for factory work rather than companionship.