Sony Aibo (ERS-1000)

The premium robot companion with a 25-year pedigree

Best for: Companion buyers who want premium quality from a stable maker

Key facts

Figures are from public sources and classified for confidence in our evidence ledger. Prices change often — confirm on the official site. Data checked 2026-07-10.

Strengths

• Exceptional build quality and personality engine
• Sony's support and repair programme is real
• 25 years of continuous robot-companion heritage

Limitations

• Cloud plan bundled for 3 years, then $99–299/yr renewal to keep full function
• Very expensive for a companion device
• Cloud dependency means Sony controls its lifespan

Scores by category

Editorial 0–100 scores, weighted per the v1.0 methodology. The ⓘ links go to each score's source.

Longevity & independence

Longevity grade B (73%). Server dependency is full (Cloud-required, stable maker); company-stability risk is low. The grade combines server dependence, subscription dependence, company stability and repairability — formula on the methodology page.

Alternatives

Source ledger

Every category score links to the public source it was reasoned from. Factual figures (price, status, subscription) are classified in the evidence ledger.

No mandatory subscription in the current data. Note: this robot still depends on the maker's cloud to function. True 3-year cost = purchase price + required subscription × 36 months (optional accessories excluded).