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Sony launches anniversary edition of aibo robot

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Sony Corporation is celebrating the one year anniversary of its autonomous entertainment robot aibo (ERS-1000) by announcing the release of aibo Choco Edition, a special 2019-only colour variation that will be available in Japan from February 1, 2019.

This model is now available for purchase on Sony’s official retail website.

Additionally, Sony will also be conducting a promotional campaign. Customers who place their orders by Thursday, February 14, 2019 will also receive a specially coloured tail (black) free of charge.

Sony claims world’s fastest deep learning speeds through distributed learning

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Sony Corporation has claimed to have achieved the fastest deep learning speeds in the world by utilising its deep learning development framework “Core Library: Neural Network Libraries” in addition to the AI Bridging Cloud Infrastructure (ABCI).

ABCI is a computing infrastructure for AI processing constructed and operated by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).

Deep learning is a method of machine learning which uses neural networks modelled after the human brain. By harnessing deep learning, image and sound recognition capabilities have seen rapid growth in recent years, even outperforming humans in certain domains.

[Read more…] about Sony claims world’s fastest deep learning speeds through distributed learning

Sony launches Aibo robot dog in America

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Sony’s robotic dog Aibo is launching in the US. As many readers will know, Aibo is an old dog and was previously around many years ago. 

But Sony stopped producing them and only relaunched the expensive mechanical pet a few months ago.

Like its previous incarnation, the new Aibo is very expensive, retailing at around $2,900 in a package called First Litter. [Read more…] about Sony launches Aibo robot dog in America

Sony starts taking orders for its new AI-powered Aibo robot dog

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Sony has started taking orders for the new version of its artificial intelligence-equipped Aibo robot dog, according to The Japan Times. 

A limited number have gone on sale and some customers can now pre-order on Sony’s website, although only in Japan at the moment.

Japan Times says decisions as to which customers get to buy the robot dog may be made on a first-come-first-served basis or by lottery.  [Read more…] about Sony starts taking orders for its new AI-powered Aibo robot dog

Sony develops new processors for IoT

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Sony Corporation has developed two new products, the SPRESENCE main and extension boards for IoT applications, equipped with a smart-sensing processor, which go on sale July 31.

The main board uses a multi-CPU structure equipped with Sony’s GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver and high-res audio codec.

A variety of systems for diverse applications, including drones, smart speakers, sensing cameras and other IoT devices, can be built by combining these boards and developing the relevant applications.

[Read more…] about Sony develops new processors for IoT

Sony sells 11,000 units of robot dog Aibo

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Sony says it sold exactly 11,111 units of its robot dog, Aibo, in the three months since the mechatronic canine’s re-release in January this year. 

This is according to a report on The Mainichi website, which calls the sales performance a “solid start”.

This comment would indicate that the sales numbers are in line with, or indeed exceed, Sony’s targets.  [Read more…] about Sony sells 11,000 units of robot dog Aibo

Sony partners with Carnegie Mellon on artificial intelligence and robotics

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Initial efforts to focus on cooking and delivery

Sony has entered into an agreement with Carnegie Mellon University to collaborate on artificial intelligence and robotics research.

Initial research and development efforts will focus on optimizing food preparation, cooking and delivery.

This area of research and development was selected because the technology necessary for a robot to handle the complex and varied task of food preparation and delivery could be applied to a broader set of skills and industries.  [Read more…] about Sony partners with Carnegie Mellon on artificial intelligence and robotics

Framos launches OLED smart glasses featuring tiny Sony screen

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Industrial imaging and machine vision company Framos has launched new smart glasses featuring Sony’s organic light-emitting diode micro display.

The company says the wearable is a super-small, thin, light-weight and fast solution for virtual reality and augmented reality glasses.

Framos says Oled microdisplays from Sony Semiconductor Solutions are “the state of the art technology” for small video displays.  [Read more…] about Framos launches OLED smart glasses featuring tiny Sony screen

Sony’s Aibo robot dog is back from wherever it’s been for the past 12 years – but is it the same dog?

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Sony’s Aibo robotic pet dog made a lot of headlines when it was first launch more than a decade ago, but for some reason, the company stopped making the toy. 

Now, some 12 years later, Aibo is back. But it looks so different that the question is, is this the same pet from all those years ago or is it an imposter just angling for some pet food and a cosy home?

Sony says Aibo – which it now writes as aibo, with a lower-case a – “can form an emotional bond with members of the household while providing them with love, affection, and the joy of nurturing and raising a companion”.  [Read more…] about Sony’s Aibo robot dog is back from wherever it’s been for the past 12 years – but is it the same dog?

Sony returns to robotics market after 12 years away

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Japanese electronics giant Sony is returning to the robotics market after more than a decade away, according to a report on Nikkei. 

The company is reportedly planning to bring back together the team which produced Aibo (pictured below), the robotic pet dog for the home, which proved popular many years ago.

Sony was at one time the most talked-about electronics company in the world, the Apple of its day.  [Read more…] about Sony returns to robotics market after 12 years away