Saving Sony's Aibo Robot Dogs

AIBO, Sony's robotic dog, was sold from 1999 to 2006 and continues to provide comfort to its followers. Nobuyuki Nori Matsu, an engineer, offers repair services for aging AIBOs, highlighting the strong emotional bonds people form with these robots. The demand for repairs is high, prompting expansion and new business ideas, such as using AIBO for therapy in elderly homes. Despite Japan's early adoption of robot therapy, its spread has been slow. Matsu's services aim to revitalize interest and bring joy to new audiences.

What does AIBO mean in Japanese?

• Companion

• Robot

• Friend

• Pet

Why did Nobuyuki Nori Matsu start repairing AIBO robots?

• To sell them at a higher price

• To create a new version of AIBO

• To help elderly people who wanted to keep their AIBO

• To use them in schools

What is the main challenge faced by Nobuyuki Nori Matsu's team?

• Lack of interest in AIBO robots

• Insufficient engineers to meet repair demands

• High cost of robot parts

• Competition from other robot companies

What is a key benefit of robot therapy according to the transcript?

• It is cheaper than traditional therapy

• It replaces human interaction

• It helps robots learn new tricks

• It facilitates communication with others

How has the spread of robot therapy in Japan been described?

• Rapid and widespread

• Slow and limited

• Non-existent

• Controversial