Sony is working on a robot that should build an emotional connection with its owner

Sony is working on a robot that will build an emotional bond with its owner. The Japanese manufacturer itself has announced this. Sony set up a new ‘organization’ in April to work towards the release of the robot.

The robot must be able to grow in order to evoke “love and affection” from owners, Sony said in a report of a meeting on the company’s future strategy. The Japanese manufacturer wants to offer new ‘business models’ in which hardware and services come together for ’emotionally compelling experiences’.

To enable a release in the future, Sony has set up a new division. The company has not disclosed when a robot release is planned. Sony is also still tight-lipped about other features of the robot.

In the report, Sony makes the link with previously announced Xperia products, such as the Xperia Ear, Eye and Agent. Those are ‘smart’ accessories for phones. Of these, the earpiece is the only one that actually comes out. It will be on the market this summer.

The Japanese manufacturer is not the only one working with a robot. Asus recently presented the Zenbo and Sharp already came up with the Robohon, a ‘robot smartphone’.

Looking back: Sharp’s Robohon, a ‘smartphone robot’.