Sony to Discontinue aibo Ivory White Model
Sony is ending hardware sales of the current aibo model while committing to expand services, signaling a shift toward a service-centric model for the pet robot.
Reporting from 2 sources: Denfaminicogamer, ASCII.jp.
Sony Group and Sony Marketing announced on June 25 that the aibo Ivory White model (ERS1000/W) will be discontinued in Japan once current stock runs out. The entertainment robot, first released as AIBO in 1999, was discontinued in 2006 and revived in 2018 with a new design and AI functions. The current model being phased out is that 2018 revival. Despite the hardware discontinuation, Sony will continue offering the aibo Basic Plan, aibo Premium Plan, aibo Care Support Service, the My aibo app, aibo treatment (repair), aibo dock support, and sales of related accessories and parts. The company stated it will expand new products and services so that aibo can continue to be loved by its owners and grow with them as a partner. The announcement was made via the official aibo social media account and the Sony Group website. Owners of the Ivory White model will still receive app updates and repair support. The discontinuation applies only to the Ivory White color variant; other aibo models and services remain unaffected.
The Ivory White color variant of the aibo ERS-1000 is the only model being discontinued. Sony will continue to sell the aibo Basic Plan, Premium Plan, Care Support Service, the My aibo app, aibo treatment (repair), aibo dock support, and related accessories and parts. The company said in its announcement, "We will continue to expand new products and services so that aibo can continue to be loved by its owners and grow together with them as a partner." The aibo first appeared as AIBO in 1999, was discontinued in 2006, and returned in 2018 with enhanced AI that lets it recognize people and surroundings, act on emotions, and communicate through touch and speech. The current ERS-1000 model launched in 2018. The discontinuation applies only to the Ivory White color; other aibo models and service plans remain available. The official aibo Twitter account posted the news with a link to the announcement page. Owners of the Ivory White model will continue to receive app updates and repair support.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.