Sony's pet project, a new robot dog, to be unleashed soon

Firm is reportedly preparing for a media event in November to show off the product

Sony Corp is planning next spring to roll out a dog-shaped pet robot similar to its discontinued Aibo with updated components that could allow it to control home appliances, people familiar with the matter said.

Sony is preparing for a media event in November to show off the product, the people said. It is unclear whether the new product will use the Aibo name and how much it will cost.

Sony Chief Executive Kazuo Hirai said last year at a strategy briefing that the company was developing “a robot capable of forming an emotional bond with customers, and able to grow to