- Sony has unveiled an NFT collection to celebrate Aibo robot’s 25th anniversary
- Dubbed “Entertainment Robot Aibo,” the collection is free to mint on OpenSea
- Collectibles in the collection, however, are soulbound meaning they can be traded or transferred
Tech heavyweight Sony has unveiled a soulbound NFT collection to commemorate the 25th anniversary of its Aibo robot dog. Dubbed “Entertainment Robot Aibo,” the collection is powered by Ethereum layer 2 network Soneium and is free to mint on NFT marketplace OpenSea. Soneium noted that the robot was more of a companion dog than “just a product” and the collection reflects “the unique bond between Aibo and its owner,” which explains why the collectibles aren’t tradable or transferable.
Original Aibo Robot Launched in 1999
Collectibles in the collection feature images of the original robot dog launched in 1999. Sony describes Aibo as a “robotic puppy powered by AI.” The robot has the characteristics of an actual dog. In 2018, Sony released another model with added features.
According to OpenSea, collectors have already minted 10.5 million NFTs with some wallets scooping 1,000 collectibles. Although the mint is free, collectors must pay for the gas fees. The mint is open until March 24.
Sony is yet to disclose whether the collectibles will carry special perks in the future. According to Soneium, Entertainment Robot Aibo holders can use the collectibles as “a post or icon” and showcase them in digital “spaces such as virtual galleries.”
Commercializing Aibo Robot NFTs Prohibited
Collectors, however, are prohibited from using the NFTs “beyond the scope of personal use [and] acquiring intellectual property rights” related to the collectibles because Sony Group Corporation holds the rights to the NFTs.
The collection comes seven months after Sony unveiled Sony Block Solutions Labs (SBL) to manage the development of Soneium. The Ethereum scaling network focuses on offering a conducive environment for web3 developers.
With the original Aibo robot having a huge following, it’s to be seen whether the Aibo community will cross over to the NFT world.
