If you thought Sony's AIBO robots were nifty toys before but couldn't afford their hefty price tags, Sony's new bulldog slash pug-impersonator AIBO ERS-31L might be for you.
As part of the celebration to commemorate the third anniversary of the first AIBO (ERS-110) Entertainment Robot, originally launched in May 1999, Sony has introduced a new addition to its LM series of four-pawed robots, the AIBO ERS-31L. Cheaper than its previous siblings, the new robot will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $599 USD and will include a new AIBO-ware software package, AIBO Pal Special Edition.
 | The new AIBO is cheaper (and uglier, some might argue) than its older siblings
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The new AIBO, which will come in caramel brown, will feature a new look similar to that of a bulldog or pug with a strong family resemblance to other members of the LM series (the ERS-311/312). The ERS-31L will also sport features including photo-taking capabilities (saves JPEG image onto Memory Stick media upon command), a 75-word vocabulary, interactive and expressive sensors, and more than 200 new behaviors.
"AIBO is a home entertainment platform that will evolve as Sony continues to develop and expand artificial intelligence technologies," said Victor Matsuda, vice president of the Entertainment Robot America division of Sony Electronics. "The new robot provides even more entertainment with an attractive price that will excite a new audience of AIBO fans."
As part of the third anniversary celebration, those purchasing the new robot during the month of June and while supplies last will receive a free AIBO Life AIBO-ware software package, which allows the owner to raise the robot from an infant to an adult, with their purchase.
In addition to the AIBO Life software, an AIBO Pal Special Edition AIBO-ware software is also available for robots in the LM series, offering several new features such as a special wake-up dance to greet its owner good morning, an uncontrollable desire to walk around the room looking for things of interest and snap a photo when it finds something fun - and last, but not least, 200 plus new moves and dances.
A hi-res photo of the Sony AIBO ERS-31L is available on the following page.
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