TOKYO - Sony is halting sales of its robotic puppy "aibo" in Japan, the company said, eight years after the latest model of its interactive android pet became an instant hit. The announcement marks the end of an era for loyal fans of the high-tech toy, which develops its own personality and can perform tricks like waving and mimicking its owner.
The ERS-1000 aibo model -- a 30-centimetre (one-foot) long hound with flapping ears, eyes that show emotions, and a nose camera -- charmed customers on its launch in 2018, clocking up 20,000 sales in the first six months.
It was also a big comeback for Sony's robot dog.
The earliest iteration of aibo came out in 1999, followed by numerous different models, from angular silver bots to more cuddly round-faced versions.
More than 150,000 units sold during the period until 2006, when Sony, facing a tough business environment, pulled the plug on the canine gadget, seen as something of a frivolous luxury.
