"On Thursday, Sony pulled the plug on its Aibo robot, the peppy robotic dog with a software-controlled personality -- and abilities -- that has entertained thousands of faithful owners. The dogs, which cost upwards of $2,000 each, can dance, whimper, guard and play, developing personalities based on interaction with its owners. Sony has sold over 150,000 Aibos since launching the product in May 1999," reports The Mercury News.
"The Tokyo-based consumer electronics giant is restructuring under new chief executive Howard Stringer. Sony said Thursday that it plans to focus on three core businesses -- electronics, games and entertainment. Its two robotics efforts, the Aibo and the Qrio humanoid robot, got the ax."
