Sony has been involved in AI and robotics research for some time. 
It began at the Technology Laboratory in the 1980s.
Whether AIBO or QRIO, the idea was that new relationships 
with users would be developed with robots that could make their own decisions.
The mechanism for communication and interaction between us
and robots is crucial for our coexistence.
As the developers of AIBO and QRIO, we realized at the time that actions 
to be taken in various situations had to be programmed. 
But, that can’t deal with new situations. 
That’s why our research has been on AI, which learns and evolves on its own.
Since the days of AIBO, 
Sony has been applying machine learning to many different things. 
There’s a lot of AI used in 
image recognition, speech recognition and natural language comprehension.
Our deep learning and neural network libraries are now open source.
We’re hoping to see new discussion and collaboration 
with people from other companies arise.
Sony wants to make a solid contribution to the growing field of AI.
It’s a field that opens up new user experiences.
In a broad sense, drones and even cars can be considered as robots.
Our new challenge is to incorporate AI 
into such items and make them more intelligent.
An Xperia on wheels, 
or a vehicle that allows you to get about with great ease and in ways
In the coming age of self-driving cars, 
maybe we should rethink the whole concept of vehicular travel. 
We want something that helps people grow 
and enriches communities, cities and lifestyles.
Children’s eyes sparkle when they see a robot take a few steps. 
They love seeing things that move. 
I think robots and other things that move will become 
the biggest trigger for programming education.
Robotics is a field where Sony can leverage its strengths.
With that as the base, we can incorporate AI to create new product value.
Whether as familiar robots or as something totally new… 
the possibilities are limitless.
