Sony stops production of Aibo and Qrio robots

Even with good fiscal third quarter 2005 results ; Sony is cutting production of their Aibo and Qrio entertainment robots. Slides depicting Q3 results for fiscal year 2005 are available for viewing on Sony’s corporate website and show that product has stopped for both the lovable Aibo robotic dog and the upright Qrio humanoid robot. Support will continue for current owners.

The $2000 Aibo was released several years ago and has become somewhat of a cultural icon. Sporting a webcam in its nose the dog could recognize patterns and walk to the power station to charge itself. When purchased, Aibo starts at the "puppy" stage and moves awkwardly, often running into walls. As the dog grows older, he learns new tricks and can follow the owner’s voice.

Sales weren’t spectacular with a few thousand units sold, but the dog has been featured in magazines, Tom’s Hardware Guides 2004 Holiday Buyers Guide and even in robotic soccer matches.

Related story :

Tom’s Hardware Guides 2004 Holiday Buyers Guide