TOKYO: Sony Corp. said Monday that it will offer 100 units of its Aibo dog-like robotic pet for free to hospitals in Japan, including those treating patients with the new coronavirus.

Sony and its partner in the project, M3 Inc., a medical service information provider, aim to have Aibo help reduce stress in hospitalized patients who have been restricted to see visitors amid the epidemic.

The companies will accept applications from hospitals until March 8 and start sending Aibo in late March.

Hospitals receiving Aibo will be asked to cooperate in a study to see the efficacy of the robotic pet in reducing patients’ stress.

The original version of Aibo hit the market in 1999 but its production was terminated in 2006.

The new version featuring advanced artificial intelligence was launched in 2018. The new Aibo has features including becoming attached to its owner and developing a unique character depending on training.

“We aim to offer healing that would ease the loneliness and worries of being hospitalized,” a Sony public relations official said.

JIJI Press