i-SODOG Robot Dog Dances, Shakes, Understands Voice Commands, and Totally Rocks! (Video)

120614 Takara Tomy i sodog robot 75

After breaking the news last night about Takara Tomy's new i-SODOG robot dog, I was able to get more information plus a set of close-up photos and video of the awesome robot in action.

According to the Takara Tomy representatives I talked to at the Tokyo International Toy Show this afternoon, when it's released for sale in Spring 2013 the i-SODOG will include:

Features 15 custom servos plus a large selection of pre-programmed motions.
Owners will be able to build their own motion routines using the i-SOBOT style controller provided with i-SODOG.
The robot can be controlled using a feature rich smart phone app (iOS & Android).
Operating times will vary based on how active the robot is, but the company expects an average operating time of 1 hour before recharging becomes necessary.
i-SODOG can dance in sync with music played on your smart phone.
The company expects that the robot will recognize up to 50 different voice commands.
Basic Artificial Intelligence built into the robot will allow it to learn and change it's behavior over time just like its canine counterparts.
Touch sensors designed into the robot dog's head and back provide interaction. For example, it can tell when you pet it and respond accordingly.
The robot's nose includes a capacitive touch sensor that can transmit information between two robots when the owner touches each i-SODOG's nose.
i-SODOG uses the Bluetooth communications protocol.
The expected sales price here in Japan will be approximately 31,500 yen.
No official information regarding sales outside of Japan was available at this time.