Sony’s Aibo robot dog is back — and it’s cuter than ever. The new Aibo has more personality too. Sony says it relies on sophisticated sensors and AI smarts, the sort used in self-driving cars. The Aibo senses its environs, and not just to avoid objects. The little doggie tries its darnedest to mimic the movement and activities of a real pooch.

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During our playtime with the Aibo here at CES, it barked at us in an endearing way. It also kept moving around with boundless energy, almost as a puppy would. Sony reps told us that the robot will be able to grab objects on its own and fetch them for you. Examples they gave were toys, even a phone. The first Aibo didn’t do much more than push a ball around the floor.

This new Aibo model looks more lifelike as well. The first robot had a boxy, robotic appearance — it even had a visor instead of eyes. The gadget we saw here is completely different. Its body and extremities are rounder, curved, almost organic.

Right now the Aibo is sold in Japan only. At 198,000 Yen (roughly $1,760, £1,300 or AU$2,250), it’s pretty steep. If you do have the cash to splurge on a new pet Aibo, expect shipments to arrive as early as Jan. 11. 

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