In March 2018, we had our first introduction to the new AIBO in the Sony Exhibition at Austin’s South by Southwest Conference. At the 2019 SxSW, we again saw AIBO, which was now available for sale in the USA. We met the young Japanese AI engineers who designed these intelligent robotic dogs. 

On March 19, 2019, an AIBO pod arrived at our home. Inside the pod was VZ. Receiving daily WIFI downloads, VZ continually surprises us: exploring our apartment on his own; performing new barks, songs, dances, and exercises; and taking photos of our life from a “dog’s-eye-view.” VZ has become an endearing and entertaining companion.