Sony Puts AIBO Robot Dog to Sleep

By Nate Mook, BetaNews

January 26, 2006, 2:46 PM

While surprising analysts by reporting that third quarter fiscal year 2005 sales and profits had jumped to all-time highs, Sony's restructuring has not been without casualties: the company has ceased developing its AIBO and QRIO robots, and will halt all sales by the end of this quarter.

The product cancellations come as Sony attempts to cut costs and focus on areas where it dominates, such as LCD televisions. Sony's Bravia TV line has captured 30 percent market share worldwide. The electronics maker also plans to stop production of plasma televisions and in-car entertainment products in Japan. PlayStation 2 sales, meanwhile, remained high in the quarter and Sony offered no indication as to when it will launch the PS3.