2 robots tracked on ui44 headquartered in Japan and published pricing around $2.9k.
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Sony currently spans 2 robots in the ui44 database. The portfolio leans toward companions with 1 model leading the lineup. 1 model is already available or active today. Published pricing starts at $2.9k.
1 Companions
Sony is most concentrated in companions robotics, with 2 categories represented overall.
1/2
1 robot is marked available or active, which helps frame how commercial-ready this lineup is.
$2.9k
The average published price across 1 model lands around $2.9k.
Sony needs an at-a-glance summary before the page branches into deeper editorial content. This chapter brings the company snapshot, compare entry points, and model gallery into one clean first read.
Sony is a robotics company headquartered in Japan. The company currently has 2 robots tracked in the ui44 Home Robot Database, spanning 2 categories: Companions, Research.
Robots Tracked
2 models
Categories
Headquarters
Available Now
1 robot
Price
$2.9k
Browse all robotics companies on the manufacturers directory, or explore robots from Japan.
These in-brand comparison links surface the most relevant matchups first, using category fit, shared capabilities, and verification freshness to decide what should be reviewed together.
Model coverage
The tracked Sony lineup is grouped here so the catalog can be scanned quickly before diving deeper into pricing, specs, and context.
Sony's AI-powered robotic companion dog, the latest generation of the iconic AIBO line first launched in 1999. The ERS-1000 features OLED eyes, 22 axes of…
A premium manufacturer page should make it easy to understand how the lineup is organized and what technical patterns show up across the portfolio, not just list robots one by one.
Sony's robots combine a range of technologies and capabilities. Here is a consolidated look at the sensors, connectivity, AI platforms, and capabilities found across their product line.
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Explore these technologies across all robots:
Decision-making gets easier when pricing, availability, and comparable specs are presented as a coherent buying surface instead of disconnected blocks.
$2.9k
Listed price
1/2
Available now
Sony robots are priced at $2.9k. 1 model does not have publicly listed pricing (typically enterprise or contact-sales models).
Available for purchase
Discontinued
This section translates the raw database into practical evaluation advice, which helps the page feel like expert editorial rather than a raw export.
Choosing the right robot depends on your use case, budget, and technical needs. Here's what to consider when evaluating Sony's product line.
If you're a home user or small business looking for an off-the-shelf robot, Sony has consumer-priced options starting at $2.9k. These models typically ship directly and don't require enterprise contracts.
Sony also serves enterprise and research customers. 1 of their models require contacting sales for pricing, indicating enterprise-tier products with custom deployment support.
Availability
1 of 2 models are currently available. Check individual robot pages for the latest status.
Category Fit
Make sure the robot's category matches your primary use case. Browse all categories.
Sensor Ecosystem
Review the technology section to understand what sensing and connectivity each model offers.
Price Transparency
1 of 2 models list public pricing. For unlisted models, request quotes early.
Ecosystem Compatibility
Some Sony robots integrate with third-party platforms. Check compatibility on each robot's page.
Compare Before You Buy
Evaluate Sony robots head-to-head or against competitors with our comparison tool.
Raw numbers only tell part of the story. Here is a plain-language explanation of what each specification means for the Sony robots — and what it means for you as a buyer or researcher.
Specifications Breakdown
At just 29.3cm (standing) tall, the aibo (ERS-1000) has a compact form factor that allows it to navigate under furniture, access tight spaces, and maintain a low profile during operation. Compact robots are particularly effective for cleaning, surveillance, and utility tasks.
Weighing just 2.2kg, the aibo (ERS-1000) is lightweight and easy to relocate between areas or floors. Lightweight robots are ideal for homes with delicate flooring and are simple to pick up and move when needed.
The aibo (ERS-1000) offers ~2 hours of battery life per charge. Battery life is one of the most critical real-world performance metrics for any mobile robot. It determines how much work the robot can accomplish in a single session before needing to recharge. For companions robots, this runtime should be evaluated against the size of the area you need covered and the intensity of the tasks involved. Robots with self-charging capability can partially compensate for shorter battery life by autonomously returning to their dock.
The aibo (ERS-1000) requires ~3 hours to reach a full charge. Charging time directly impacts the robot's daily operating capacity — faster charging means less downtime and more productive hours. Combined with its battery life, the charge-to-runtime ratio reveals how much of each day the robot can actually spend working versus sitting on its dock.
The aibo (ERS-1000) runs on Sony proprietary deep learning AI (cloud + edge) for its artificial intelligence capabilities. The AI platform determines how intelligently the robot behaves — from basic reactive responses to sophisticated scene understanding, natural language processing, and adaptive learning. A more advanced AI platform generally means better obstacle avoidance, more natural interaction, and the ability to improve performance over time through software updates.
Sourced from official Sony docs · Full aibo (ERS-1000) specs →
Specifications Breakdown
With a height of 58cm, the QRIO is designed to operate at a mid-range level — suitable for navigating under tables, around furniture, and through standard doorways without issue. This compact-but-capable size balances visibility with maneuverability.
Weighing just 7.3kg, the QRIO is lightweight and easy to relocate between areas or floors. Lightweight robots are ideal for homes with delicate flooring and are simple to pick up and move when needed.
The QRIO offers ~1 hour of battery life per charge. Battery life is one of the most critical real-world performance metrics for any mobile robot. It determines how much work the robot can accomplish in a single session before needing to recharge. For research robots, this runtime should be evaluated against the size of the area you need covered and the intensity of the tasks involved. Robots with self-charging capability can partially compensate for shorter battery life by autonomously returning to their dock.
The QRIO can move at up to 23 cm/s (running). Maximum speed affects how quickly the robot can traverse its operating area, respond to commands, and complete tasks. For research robots, speed must be balanced against safety — faster robots need better obstacle detection and stopping capabilities to prevent collisions and ensure safe operation around people and pets.
The QRIO runs on Sony proprietary; face/voice recognition, emotional behavior system for its artificial intelligence capabilities. The AI platform determines how intelligently the robot behaves — from basic reactive responses to sophisticated scene understanding, natural language processing, and adaptive learning. A more advanced AI platform generally means better obstacle avoidance, more natural interaction, and the ability to improve performance over time through software updates.
Affects doorway clearance and operating space requirements
Sourced from official Sony docs · Full QRIO specs →
A strong manufacturer page should explain where the lineup fits in the broader robotics market, including who these robots are for and how the surrounding category is moving.
Understanding how a robot fits into your specific situation is more important than any single specification. Here are the real-world scenarios where Sony robots can make a meaningful impact.
For families caring for elderly relatives, companion robots can provide social engagement, activity reminders, medication scheduling, and emergency detection.
Academic and research teams need robot platforms that offer deep programmability, well-documented APIs, and active community support.
Educational robots help children develop STEM skills, coding literacy, and social interaction capabilities.
Not sure which type of robot fits your needs? Browse our categories guide or use the comparison tool to evaluate options side-by-side.
Sony operates in the following robotics segments: companions, research.
Companion robots fill a unique niche between technology and emotional connection. From robotic pets like Sony's Aibo to social robots like GROOVE X's LOVOT, these machines are designed to provide comfort, engagement, and companionship. The segment serves children, elderly individuals, and anyone seeking the benefits of a pet-like presence without the responsibilities of live animal care.
Sony competes in this space with aibo (ERS-1000).
As AI becomes more emotionally intelligent and hardware more expressive, companion robots will become increasingly convincing social partners. The aging population in many countries is creating strong demand for robots that can provide companionship, monitor health, and assist with daily routines. Ethical considerations around emotional attachment to machines will become more prominent.
Research robots serve as platforms for advancing the science of robotics, AI, and human-robot interaction. Used in universities, government labs, and corporate R&D departments, these robots prioritize flexibility, programmability, and access to low-level control over commercial polish. Many concepts proven on research platforms eventually find their way into consumer and commercial products.
Sony competes in this space with QRIO.
Research robotics is becoming more accessible through lower-cost platforms and better simulation tools. The line between research and commercial robots is blurring as companies release developer editions of commercial products. Cloud robotics and shared datasets will accelerate the pace of discovery.
For serious buyers and researchers, the important question is how the stack hangs together: capabilities, sensing, and integration depth all need to read as a coherent system.
How a robot connects to your network and integrates with your existing smart home determines how useful it will be in practice. Sony's robots support 3 connectivity technologies, and third-party integration.
Wireless local network connectivity enabling remote control, cloud integration, over-the-air updates, and app-based management through your home or office network.
For buyers
Wi-Fi is the primary connection for most home robots, enabling app control, cloud AI features, voice assistant integration, and remote monitoring. Look for dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz) support for better reliability.
Learn more about robot connectivity options in our connectivity components guide or browse the full components directory.
Manufacturer research is stronger when the page moves beyond specs and helps frame strategic position, regional ecosystem, and how the portfolio sits versus peers.
How Sony positions itself in the competitive landscape — beyond individual products.
Price positioning: With an average price of $2.9k, Sony occupies the prosumer-to-professional segment. Their pricing reflects a balance between advanced capabilities and accessibility, targeting serious users who need more than entry-level robots.
Category breadth: Sony operates across 2 robot categories (companions, research), indicating a diversified approach to the robotics market. Multi-category companies can leverage shared technology across product lines, potentially offering integrated solutions.
Technology breadth: Across its product line, Sony integrates 15 unique sensor types and 18 distinct capabilities. This technology stack determines the range of tasks and environments their robots can handle, and indicates the depth of the company's engineering investment.
Geographic context: Based in Japan, Sony benefits from its country's robotics ecosystem and talent pool. Regional context can affect pricing, availability, support quality, and regulatory compliance in different markets.
Market maturity: All 2 of Sony's robots are commercially available, indicating a mature product portfolio focused on serving current customer needs.
Compare Side by Side
Use the comparison tool or browse the manufacturers directory.
Japan has one of the longest traditions in robotics, from the industrial robots of the 1970s to Honda's ASIMO and Sony's AIBO.
The country combines deep engineering expertise with a cultural acceptance of robots that goes far beyond Western norms. Japan's aging population creates urgent demand for service and companion robots, and government policy actively promotes robot adoption to address labor shortages in healthcare, manufacturing, and services.
Sony contributes to Japan's robotics landscape with 2 models in the companions and research categories.
Decades of accumulated robotics expertise across mechanics, sensors, and control systems
Cultural acceptance and even enthusiasm for robots in daily life
Strong need for service robots due to rapidly aging population
World-class precision manufacturing capability for motors, sensors, and actuators
Government programs supporting robot deployment in healthcare and elder care
The page should close with practical ownership guidance, supporting editorial, and a concise summary so the route ends with momentum instead of fatigue.
Purchasing a robot is the start of an ongoing relationship with technology that requires setup, maintenance, and periodic attention.
First-time robot setup varies significantly by category and complexity. Consumer robots like vacuums and lawn mowers typically involve downloading a companion app, connecting to Wi-Fi, and running an initial mapping or boundary setup routine. More complex robots like humanoids or quadrupeds may require professional installation, calibration, and training. Allow extra time for the first session — the robot needs to learn your space, and you need to learn its controls. Most modern robots improve their performance over the first few uses as their maps and AI models refine based on your specific environment.
Every robot requires some level of maintenance to operate at peak performance. For cleaning robots, this includes emptying dustbins, washing filters, replacing brush rolls, and cleaning sensors — typically a few minutes per week. Lawn mowing robots need periodic blade replacements and seasonal cleaning. Legged robots may require joint lubrication and firmware updates. Check the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and factor replacement part costs into your total cost of ownership. Establishing a regular maintenance routine significantly extends the robot's useful life and maintains cleaning or task performance over time.
Modern robots receive regular software updates that can add features, improve navigation, fix bugs, and enhance security. When evaluating any robot, consider the manufacturer's track record for software support — how frequently do they release updates, and for how long do they support older models? Some companies provide updates for years after purchase, while others may discontinue support sooner. Cloud-dependent features are particularly important to evaluate: if the manufacturer shuts down cloud services, will your robot still function? Prefer robots with strong local processing capability for long-term reliability.
Robot safety encompasses both physical safety (preventing collisions, falls, and injuries) and digital safety (data privacy, network security, camera access). Physically, look for robots with emergency stop mechanisms, collision detection, cliff sensors, and speed-limiting features when operating near people or pets. Digitally, understand what data the robot collects, where it is stored, who can access it, and whether the manufacturer has a clear privacy policy. For robots with cameras and microphones, hardware privacy indicators (LED lights when recording) and physical mute switches provide important transparency and control.
Robotics purchases represent significant investments, making warranty terms and after-sales support critical evaluation criteria. Standard warranties in the industry range from one to three years, with some manufacturers offering extended warranty options. Beyond warranty length, consider what the warranty covers — some exclude consumable parts like brushes and filters. Also evaluate the manufacturer's service infrastructure: do they have authorized repair centers in your region? Is support available by phone, email, or chat? Response times and repair turnaround times can vary significantly between companies. User community forums and third-party repair guides can supplement official support.
The sticker price of a robot is just the beginning. Total cost of ownership includes the initial purchase price, replacement parts and consumables, electricity for charging, any subscription fees for cloud or premium features, and potential repair costs. For commercial robots, add integration, training, and downtime costs. For consumer robots, factor in accessories like extra mop pads, replacement brushes, or boundary accessories. A thorough TCO analysis over the expected product lifetime — typically three to five years for consumer robots and longer for commercial platforms — provides a much more accurate picture of value than purchase price alone.
For model-specific ownership details, visit individual robot pages or contact Sony directly.
Successful robot deployment depends on preparation that goes well beyond selecting the right model.
Before deploying any robot, conduct a thorough physical assessment of the intended operating environment. Measure doorway widths, identify floor surface transitions, map obstacle patterns, and document lighting conditions. For mobile robots, verify that navigation surfaces are compatible with the robot's locomotion system — wheeled robots need relatively smooth floors, while legged robots can handle more varied terrain but require different clearance profiles. Document Wi-Fi coverage maps and identify dead zones where connectivity-dependent features may fail. Establish a baseline understanding of foot traffic patterns so you can predict human-robot interaction frequency and plan safety zones accordingly.
Research deployments require controlled conditions that differ from commercial settings. Verify that the lab space meets the robot's power requirements, including dedicated circuits for charging stations and any auxiliary computing hardware. Plan for motion capture or external sensor arrays if your research protocol requires ground-truth positioning data. Establish clear demarcation between the robot's active workspace and personnel areas, especially for platforms with manipulator arms or high-speed locomotion capabilities. Document the software development environment requirements, including supported operating systems, SDK dependencies, and network configurations needed for remote operation and data collection.
Modern robots are networked devices that require thoughtful integration with existing IT infrastructure. Plan a dedicated network segment or VLAN for robot operations to isolate robot traffic from critical business systems. Implement certificate-based authentication where supported, and verify that firmware update mechanisms use signed packages. Establish a security review cadence for robot software components, especially for robots that process camera feeds, microphone input, or personal data. Create an incident response plan specific to robot compromise scenarios — what happens if a robot's navigation system is tampered with, or if sensor data is intercepted? These questions are easier to answer before deployment than during an active incident.
Even highly autonomous robots require human operators who understand normal behavior, can recognize anomalies, and know when and how to intervene. Develop a training program that covers daily operations (startup, shutdown, charging), routine maintenance (cleaning sensors, checking mechanical wear), and emergency procedures (manual override, safe power-down, physical recovery from stuck positions). Integrate robot operations into existing workflow documentation so that robot tasks and human tasks have clear handoff points. Track operator confidence levels over time and provide refresher training when procedures change or new capabilities are deployed through software updates.
Define measurable success criteria before the robot arrives. For cleaning robots, this might be coverage percentage and cleaning quality scores. For commercial service robots, track task completion rates, customer interaction quality, and mean time between interventions. For research platforms, establish reproducibility metrics and data quality thresholds. Having objective benchmarks prevents the common failure mode where a robot is judged impressive in demos but disappointing in sustained operation. Create a 30-60-90 day evaluation framework with specific milestones at each stage, and define clear decision points for scaling up, adjusting configuration, or discontinuing the deployment.
Deploying a robot in a commercial or public-facing setting triggers regulatory considerations that vary by jurisdiction. Verify compliance with local safety standards for autonomous machines, including emergency stop accessibility, speed limitations in human-occupied spaces, and noise level restrictions. Assess liability coverage — does your existing insurance policy cover robot-caused property damage or personal injury, or do you need a specific rider? For healthcare or eldercare companion deployments, review data privacy regulations that govern the collection and storage of health-related observations. Document your compliance posture before deployment so that auditors and regulators see proactive governance rather than reactive scrambling.
The purchase price of a robot is typically a fraction of the total cost of ownership over its operational lifetime. Model the full cost picture including consumables (filters, brushes, wheels, batteries), scheduled maintenance (sensor calibration, actuator inspection, firmware updates), unscheduled repairs (motor replacement, sensor failure, structural damage), and operational costs (electricity, network bandwidth, operator time). Request maintenance schedules and spare-part pricing from the manufacturer before purchase. For commercial deployments, calculate the break-even point against the labor or service cost the robot replaces, factoring in realistic uptime assumptions rather than manufacturer-stated maximums. Revisit the cost model quarterly as real operating data replaces initial estimates.
Deployment planning is iterative — capture lessons learned and refine your approach as you progress with Sony products.
All Sony robot data on ui44 is verified against official manufacturer sources, spec sheets, and press releases. Most recent verification: 2026-02-27. Oldest verification in this set: 2026-02-23. If you notice outdated or incorrect data, please let us know — accuracy is our top priority.
Go beyond the spec sheet
Full specifications, side-by-side comparisons, and buyer guides for every robot.