# Programmable Robot Pets Sony's Aibo Robot Dog Can Now Be Programmed to Perform Different Actions By Daniel Johnson | Published 2019-11-19 | Updated 2019-11-22 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aibo-robot-dog1 References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2019/11/16/sony-aibo-developer-kit/) & [us.aibo](https://us.aibo.com/fan/visual_programming/) [Sony's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinako) 'Aibo' robot dog was recently updated to give owners the ability to program actions. Programmable actions can be accessed in one of two ways -- the first way uses blocks and is intended for beginners. However, another more complicated method enables programmers to use the Aibo Developer Program to create actions. Other improvements have also been made to the Aibo robot dog, including mapping features. Additionally, the robot can be fed with virtual coins, that are called 'aibocrisps.' Users have the ability to earn virtual coins through the My Aibo app, where consumers can also make microtransactions to further customize their Aibo robot. The robot dog is available for a $2,900 price point. Image Credit: Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 87% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Programmable Robot Pets:** The ability to program robot pets opens up opportunities for personalized and interactive experiences. - **Virtual Currency Integration:** Integrating virtual currency into robot pets encourages user engagement and provides opportunities for monetization. - **Advanced Mapping Technology:** The inclusion of mapping features in robot pets allows for enhanced navigation and exploration capabilities. ### Who This Affects Most - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can innovate by creating programmable robotic pets with advanced capabilities and customization options. - **Gaming:** The gaming industry can leverage virtual currency integration in robot pets to enhance in-game experiences and drive monetization. - **Robotics and Automation:** The robotics and automation industry can further develop mapping technology in robot pets to enable smarter and more efficient autonomous navigation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Light Brown Robot Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinako.md) - [Sustainable Repurposed Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sony-japan.md) - [Voice-Controlled Robot Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voicecontrolled-robot-dog.md) - [Evolving Robot Dog Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petoi-bittle-x.md) - [DIY AI-Fueled Robot Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sirius.md) - [AI-Powered Robot Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-robot-dog.md) - [Customizable Robot Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dog-e.md) - [AI-Powered Robotic Dog Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xiaomi-cyberdog-2.md) - [Programmable Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-robots.md)