- Type
- Robot dog
- Interaction
- Voice
- Subscription
- Required after 3 yrs
Sony aibo ERS-1000
Sony's four legged robot dog with a growing personality
Researched by Riley Hart · updated Oct 25, 2026
SCORED
We started tracking this price on Oct 25, 2026 and have not found a past sale price yet, so we cannot say if $3,200 is a good deal. Black Friday is Nov 27, 2026, 31 days away, when robots in this category usually get their biggest cuts. Get a price drop alert.
aibo is the most lifelike robot dog you can buy in the US, with real legs, a personality that grows over years and Sony's support behind it. It is for devoted fans and households that can absorb a $3,200 final sale price plus $300 a year after the third year. Everyone else, especially families wanting a durable toy for kids, should skip it.
Best for: robot fans who want the most lifelike dog. Skip if: you balk at $3,200 plus a yearly cloud fee.
Specs
- Type
- Robot dog with OLED eyes and 22 degrees of freedom
- Interaction
- Voice commands, touch sensors on head, chin and back, paw pads, face recognition, My aibo app (phone and web)
- Ai features
- Cloud AI through the aibo AI Cloud Plan stores memories and develops personality; learns tricks, recognizes people and can take photos
- Camera
- Yes, a front camera and a SLAM camera for mapping; photos viewable in the My aibo app; no physical shutter published
- Mobility
- Four legs; indoor use only, operating range 41 to 95 F
- Battery runtime
- About 2 hours in standard mode (Sony); walks back to its charger
- Charge time
- About 3 hours (Sony)
- Size weight
- About 7.1 x 11.5 x 12.0 in (W x H x D), about 2.2 kg (4.9 lb)
3 year cost of ownership
- Robot
- $3,200
- Total
- $3,200
The cloud plan is needed for the full experience, including the app and personality growth. From year 4 the plan adds $300 a year. aibo is sold as final sale with no returns, and is not sold in Illinois or Baltimore, Maryland.
Status and safety
- US availability
- ● On sale
- Recalls
- ● No Sony robot recall in the CPSC database as of Oct 26, 2026. Checked daily.
- FCC authorized
- Not checked
- Company
- ● Active
- Warranty
- Not listed
Parts and refills for the aibo ERS-1000
- Replacement paw pads
$9.99 on the Sony US store; no replacement interval published - Shop on Amazon →
Check the part number matches your model before you order. Affiliate links.
Price history
Tracked dailyTracking started Oct 25, 2026 at $3,200.
Each day adds a point. Turn on a price alert to hear about drops.
Where to buy
- Sony Electronics US store
- $3,200 →
Affiliate links. We may earn a commission. It never changes our score. Disclosure
Pros
- Four legged movement with 22 degrees of freedom
- Personality develops over months and years
- Self charging on its mat
- Three years of cloud plan included
Cons
- $3,199.99 and sold as final sale with no returns
- Cloud plan costs $300 a year after year 3
- About 2 hours per charge; Tom's Guide got about 70 minutes
- Not sold in Illinois or Baltimore, Maryland
What independent reviewers found
- Impressive sensors and cloud AI, but setup and the mobile app were slow, it struggled with floor transitions, its servos were loud at night and it took about two weeks to show personality. Concluded a shelter dog is a better choice for most people.
- Engadget
- Adorable and fun with a personality that grows, but the reviewer got about 1 hour 10 minutes of continuous activity, the app was sluggish and it often ignored commands during training.
- Tom's Guide
Spec history
Checked dailyNo spec changes since we started tracking on Oct 26, 2026.
Email me when aibo ERS-1000 gets cheaper
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Own one? Tell us how it holds up
We email owners 3 quick questions now and every 6 months, then show the results here.
Questions buyers ask
Does aibo need a subscription?
Yes. The aibo AI Cloud Plan is required for the full experience. Three years are included, then Sony charges $300 per 12 month renewal.
Is Sony discontinuing aibo?
Sony said in June 2026 it will stop selling aibo in Japan once stock runs out. It is still listed for sale on the Sony US store, and Sony says support and cloud plans continue.
Can I return aibo if it is not for me?
No. Sony sells aibo as final sale with no returns, so read the terms before buying.