‘AIBOs’ robotic dogs were the world’s first home-use entertainment robots, sold in Japan by Sony Corp. between 1999 and 2006. Equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI), these dogs were capable of developing their own personality, making them all the more endearing to their owners. So much so, in fact, that when they break down, the owners bury them with a proper funeral service, just like they would a real pet!
To understand the strange practice of burying a robot, you’ve got to understand exactly how popular Aibos are in Japan. When Sony rolled out the first generation Aibo in 1999, the initial batch of 3000 units were sold out in 20 minutes flat, in spite of the $2,000 price tag. In the following years, over 150,000 units of various Aibos models were sold.
But Sony was in trouble in 2006, so Aibo, the expensive luxury pet, was discontinued. The company did keep their ‘Aibo Clinic’ open until March last year.
I spent some of my childhood in Japan so this doesn’t surprise me at all. Have mercy. lol
Here is a blog with real dogs.
http://thepuparazzo.blogspot.com/
“The Japanese: Nuked too much? Or not enough?”
Jen, I love Ada Mae!
I have had an emotional attachment to both a car and a bike, at different times. All I did was move on when it was time, though.
Burying them kinda puts this in the weird zone for me.
Like Bronies.
Love Doll Gateway
“I swear that I am not making this up.” — Dave Barry
I suppose they will hold funerals for their robot girlfriends, too.
Japan is fucked.
Aren’t these the same people that can marry a pillow? What’s their problem with *living* things?
The Japs also have Cat Island.
( where I may go on a vacation one day)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2977668/The-island-s-reigning-cats-no-dogs-Japanese-island-felines-outnumber-humans-six-one-introduced-kill-mice.html
Picture the funeral when Pelosi’s “Happy Navigator” breaks down….
“does your dog bite?”….”no, but he does nibble and chew a bit”….
Gee, I like my computer but I’m not going to bury it when it breaks beyond repair… Unless you count the landfill…
Cat Island? HELL NO. Can you just imagine the noise, smell, and scratched ankles?