Sony’s entertainment robot, Aibo, is entering the web3 space through a blockchain initiative on Soneium, an Ethereum Layer-2 network developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs. This introduces a collection of Soulbound Tokens (SBTs) that serve as digital representations of Aibo’s history.
Aibo, first released in 1999, was designed to be an interactive robotic pet with AI-driven features. It quickly became known for its ability to engage with owners, learn behaviours, and develop unique personality traits over time.
Now, rather than releasing new hardware, Sony is focusing on bringing Aibo’s legacy to the blockchain, ensuring its presence continues in a new digital format. The Aibo SBTs are non-transferable, reinforcing their role as a personal digital memento rather than a tradable asset.
Source: SoneiumWhat is Aibo?
The name “Aibo” originates from the Japanese word “aibou,” meaning “mate” or “companion.”
Sony’s robotic pet was designed to function as an interactive companion, using AI to learn from its environment and develop an evolving relationship with its owner. Over the past 25 years, Aibo has been recognised as a pioneering robotic pet, demonstrating how technology can mimic social interactions and companionship.
By integrating Aibo into the Soneium blockchain, Sony aims to maintain the concept of digital companionship in a new form. The Soulbound Tokens in the “Entertainment Robot Aibo” collection are permanently tied to the owner’s digital wallet, ensuring they cannot be sold or transferred. This approach reflects Aibo’s original purpose as a personal, long-term companion rather than a product that can change hands.
Source: OpenSeaHow to mint an Aibo SBT?
The Aibo collection is available for free minting on OpenSea, with only a small gas fee required to complete the transaction. Each wallet can mint up to 1,000 tokens, and the minting period is open until March 24.
Since the launch, over 17.8 million Aibo NFTs have been minted, with over 56,000 unique owners. Sony has not announced any new hardware releases for Aibo, but the introduction of blockchain-based collectibles could signal a broader strategy for preserving digital assets.
Whether this initiative serves purely as a commemorative project or lays the foundation for future blockchain-powered AI companions remains uncertain.
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