Sony has announced it is discontinuing sales of its aibo robotic puppy in Japan, bringing an end to the product's availability in the company's home market.
The decision marks the conclusion of the latest generation of the interactive android pet, which was first introduced eight years ago and quickly gained a dedicated following among consumers seeking companion technology.
The move signals a strategic shift for Sony's consumer electronics division, which has increasingly focused on higher-margin segments such as gaming, imaging, and entertainment services.
While aibo represented an innovative foray into artificial intelligence and robotics, the niche market for robotic pets has remained limited in scale compared to Sony's core business units.
The company did not specify whether international sales will continue or if the product will be phased out globally.
Sony's stock (4813.T) has faced broader market headwinds recently, with the Nikkei 225 ending an eight-session winning streak as investors reassessed growth prospects across Asian equities.