Sony starts taking advance orders for new version of Aibo robot dog

Sony Corp. started accepting advance orders Thursday in Japan for its new artificial intelligence-equipped Aibo robot dog, making it possible for every would-be buyer to own the electric pet amid greater-than-expected demand. In January when Sony released an upgraded version of AIBO -- its predecessor debuted in 1999 and was discontinued in 2006 -- sales of the new model were limited by production capacity and consumers could only obtain one on a first-come-first-served basis or by lottery. Shortly after a Sony store opened Thursday in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district, there were about 10 people lined up for the canine robot. "I feel unsure if I can take care of a real dog any more at this age," explained Yoichi Iijima, 70, on why he decided to buy one. "I'm looking forward to having a new companion to talk with."