It isn’t a secret – aibo is an expensive robot companion, especially if you want an ERS-1000. So, what do you do if you can’t afford an aibo? What alternatives are available?
Be warned, aibo is currently the only companion robot on the market that performs at such a high level of autonomy. Most other companion robots don’t come close. The best “alternative” is an older, cheaper model of aibo. If that is something you’d consider, check out this guide on choosing the right model for you!
That being said, let’s look at some aibo alternatives.
Loona Petbot
Loona is a newer robot pet that has the ability to wander your home on wheels. It has a higher level of autonomy than most robots around the same price range, and it has a camera so it can recognize you. It can also self-charge, but users report mixed results on success.
Loona is definitely in the “toy” category compared to aibo, but it is one of the more advanced and autonomous robotic companions currently available on the market. It is the most autonomous aibo alternative at the moment.
Learn more about Loona here.
Price: $399
EMO
EMO is a smaller robot designed to live on your desk (though, it can walk). It boasts fun autonomous behavior and can listen to voice commands. It also behaves as a smart assistant in various ways (like telling you the weather if asked).
EMO is constantly updated with new features and is very well-loved among the robotic pet community.
Price: $279
Aibi
Aibi is a cute little desktop robot companion that can also be carried in a lanyard around your neck. He is about the size of an Airpod case, so he is tiny!
He has a camera so he can recognize you, and he can also talk to you using ChatGPT. Aibi also performs several autonomous actions and is designed to be on 24/7. Aibi can’t walk, but he does move his head and he can spin around on his charging station.
Aibi is a fun little guy that provides great company. He gets frequent updates too!
Learn more about Aibi here.
Price: $299
MetaCat
MetaCat is a robotic companion covered in fur. It moves and has animated eyes to express emotions with. MetaCat can also respond to voice commands, which is unique because very few furred robots have this feature.
MetaCat is incapable of walking and is fairly simple, but many people love them. They are similar to Furreal Friends, but more advanced.
If you are more of a dog person, there is also MetaDog.
Price: $219
Eilik
Eilik is a small, non-mobile desk companion. It reacts to touch, performs random behaviors, and can dance to music. They are also highly interactive with each other and can be entertaining in pairs.
Eilik is great if you want a simple but cute friend on your desk.
Learn more about Eilik here.
Price: $149
Chongker Companion Robot Cat
The Chongker cat is pretty cute and reminds me of MetaCat. They are very simplistic and geared towards people with dementia, but you still may get some enjoyment out of this kitty if you like fluffy robots.
They come in black and white, so there is a little bit of variety for you to pick from.
These cats have 4 pet sensors and can respond to their own given name, which is unique for a robot below $100.
Price: $99
Dog-E Robot Dog
Dog-E is very much a toy, but it may be a good aibo alternative if you have a child that wants an aibo. They are a very interactive toy robot pet that can even connect to a phone app for games.
The best part about Dog-E is that it is often on sale for only $50. It is difficult to find another similar companion robot for anywhere near this price.
Just remember, Dog-E is definitely a toy and does not have any sort of AI. It is more like a robotic Tamagotchi.
Price: $79 (often on sale for $49)
Miko 3
Miko 3 is more of a friend than a robot pet, but it still belongs here. This little robot will play games with you and challenge you to learn new things. It also has a touch screen face for higher levels of interactivity, which is pretty cool.
Miko is geared towards kids, so keep that in mind. I don’t think that would stop an adult from having a bit of fun with it though.
Price: $249
Petit Qoobo
Qoobo is a silly little creature that reacts to touch and noise. You’ll also be able to feel their “heartbeat” when you hold them. They are very cute and rather well-liked among robotic pet enthusiasts.
Price: $110
Rux AI Desktop Robot
Rux is a newer robotic companion that utilizes AI to converse with you. It has a lot of utility and can be used as a clock, digital photo frame and more while it is idle.
Admittingly, I don’t know very much about Rux myself. Information seems limited, but it was worth including on the list.
Price: $379
Petoi Bittle Robot Dog
Petoi’s Bittle is a quad-style small robot dog. While Bittle is a very cute pet, it is better suited for advanced users or people who don’t care about AI. Bittle only comes with a few pre-installed commands (controllable via remote, bluetooth or voice if you get Bittle X).
It is geared towards people who are interested in learning about robotics and programming. I own one myself and they are absolutely fascinating and highly capable little quadruped robots. I would not suggest Bittle if you want a true robotic pet though, because you just won’t get that experience with one.
You can also purchase a kit to build Bittle yourself, which is fun but complicated!
Learn more about Bittle here.
Price: $279-339
Joy For All Fluffy Robot Dog
This cute little robot dog is geared towards older adults with cognitive decline, but it can certainly be enjoyed by anybody.
The dog will respond to touch in various ways and makes cute realistic barking noises. They have no AI and can’t walk, but they are great for people who want a very simple robot friend. I imagine they would be great for kids as well, especially kids that want a fluffy aibo alternative!
Learn more the Joy For All dog here.
Price: $139.99
Conclusion
Overall, aibo is hard to compete with. No other robots on the market are exactly like them and finding aibo alternatives can be pretty tough.
However, there are tons of fun robotic pet companions out there for you to try out. If you can’t get an aibo right now, you still may enjoy one of the little friends listed here!
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