Sony’s Iconic Aibo Returns in Ethereum NFT Form
Tech giant Sony is celebrating 25 years of its beloved Aibo robot dog by launching a special non-fungible token (NFT) collection titled “Entertainment Robot Aibo.” The collection, minted on Sony’s Ethereum layer-2 blockchain, Soneium, has already seen nearly 10 million NFTs created.
A Unique Soulbound NFT Collection
Unlike traditional NFTs, these digital Aibo collectibles are soulbound, meaning they cannot be transferred or traded. They are available for free on OpenSea’s NFT marketplace, with users only required to cover a small gas fee for minting.
Reflecting Aibo’s Legacy Through Blockchain
In a statement within its official Discord community, the Soneium team emphasized that the soulbound nature of these NFTs mirrors the essence of the original Aibo experience.
“Aibo was never just a product—it was a companion,” the team noted. “These non-transferable assets reflect the unique bond between Aibo and its owner.”
High Minting Numbers, Limited Unique Owners
So far, OpenSea’s data indicates that over 9.8 million Aibo NFTs have been minted, yet there are just over 38,000 unique owners. This disparity is due in part to individual wallets being able to mint up to 1,000 NFTs each. The minting period is scheduled to close on March 24.
Aibo’s History and Evolution
Sony has a rich history with Aibo, first introducing the robotic companion in 1999 at a price of $2,500. The AI-powered pet was designed to bark, walk, wag its tail, and interact with owners. Over the years, various upgraded models with improved features and lower prices were released, with the latest iteration launching in 2018.
The Future of Aibo NFTs and Soneium
While Sony has not disclosed any future benefits tied to the “Entertainment Robot Aibo” tokens, the initiative marks another milestone for Soneium. Sony Block Solutions Labs, in collaboration with Startale Group, launched Soneium’s mainnet in January. Since then, the blockchain has processed over 50 million transactions and previously hosted a music NFT collection.
A representative for Soneium did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the future roadmap for the Aibo NFT initiative.
