Man’s Best Friend

Sony’s adorable robotic dog, Aibo, launched in 1999, was discontinued due to lack of customers. But after the great leaps and bounds made in artificial intelligence since, the electronic household companion is back. The new Aibo is both smarter and cuter than before, boasting more natural motion, hundreds of different new movements and gestures, and a set of twinkling OLED eyes with lifelike sparkle. It will even modify its behaviour as it becomes more familiar with its owner and people it meets. For even greater realism, Aibo is also designed to act unpredictably now and again, with some quirks programmed in, such as fear of tight spaces and heights. Aibo can be ordered from Japan and can be shipped out after January 11, so it will soon be barking on our shores.