Domestic shipments of the new "aibo" robot pet dog reached 11,111 in mid-April, according to Sony Corp.
Since the robot's release in January, its popularity has been soaring. People wanting to buy the new model can only do so by lottery at directly managed Sony outlets.
The company is considering accelerating production.
The new aibo is priced at 198,000 yen plus tax. Service charges are also required to use the robot.
The previous model, the first-generation aibo, saw global sales of about 150,000 units before ceasing production in 2006. One source of the new version's popularity appears to be its improved artificial intelligence -- the aibo can now develop various different personalities through interactions with its owner.
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