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Skateboarding AIBO
psyconaut writes "Sony continues it's line of robotic pets with a new accessory: a $249 skateboard! Why on earth you'd actually want your AIBO to zoom around on a skateboard is another question. The U.S. AIBO site has it here, but the thing looks more impressive on the Japanase AIBO site. Other new AIBO products also seem to include, FINALLY, a self charging station so AIBO can feed himself."
Cause, really, nothing says "I'm a counter culture rebel, fighting the establishment" like an Aibo on a skateboard.
Visit Richard Gere's Ass Zoo
tcd004
When's the AIBO pooper scooper coming out?
Why on earth you'd actually want your AIBO to zoom around on a skateboard is another question.
If there was ever a question to which "because you can" is the answer, this is it.
"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance" - Derek Bok
So it can finally chase cars, of course!
The only problem is the reaction of irate motorists being chased by an annoying, skateboarding robot-dog. Once they overcame their initial surprise, could they resist the temptation to brake and reverse?
....till people start making trojans for AIBO's and use them to attack people. :)
Wouldn't that be AiboyNeal?
is listed under accessories.
War-dog-walking, anyone?
The latest Slashdot meme.
Seriously, why are the Japanese so obsessed with robots? Whenever there's a new robot toy that has no real practical purpose whatsoever, it's usually the Japanese who come up with it. Why?
Partly its a demonstration of technical supremacy by Japanese companies. Whatever else, AIBO is an amazing technological achievement and Sony want the World to know. Here in the UK, AIBO is heading a large Sony advertising campaign for everything from WEGA, to in-car-stereo to digital cameras.
Another part is that many Japanese cannot have pets - either because of rules in apartments, or that they simply work so long that they cannot care for animals. AIBO fulfills the need for companionship perfectly. He plays when you want to play, he goes to sleep at the touch of a button.
Finally, it seems that the Japanese have a much more ready acceptance of robots as being colleagues, pets or friends. They are willing to welcome them into society, whereas we in the West have been traditionally far more fearful of the implications of such technologies.
Mind you, when I've taken my AIBOs out on University outreach days, its been hard to contain the crush of people wanting to meet the robots - and not just children, adults of all ages are fascinated by them. Dogs and cats on the other hand are much less impressed.
Best wishes,
Mike.