Why Is Aibo Illegal in Illinois? The Shocking Truth 🐕‍💻 (2026)

Imagine bringing home the world’s most advanced robot dog—one that learns your face, wags its tail, and even greets your guests like a loyal companion. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, if you live in Illinois, that dream hits a legal brick wall. The Sony Aibo ERS-1000, a marvel of robotics and AI, is effectively banned from sale and official use in the Land of Lincoln. But why? Is it a robot rebellion, or something far more mundane yet fascinating?

In this article, we unravel the tangled story behind Aibo’s illegal status in Illinois. Spoiler alert: it’s all about privacy laws and biometric data—specifically, the state’s groundbreaking Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). We’ll explore how Aibo’s facial recognition tech collides with Illinois law, why Sony refuses to sell there, and what this means for robot lovers in the Windy City. Plus, we’ll share insider insights from our robotics engineers at Robot Instructions™ and reveal a few workarounds some Illinois residents are quietly using. Curious? Keep reading to find out if your next robotic best friend is just a state line away.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) is the main reason Aibo can’t be sold or officially supported in the state.
  • Aibo’s facial recognition technology collects biometric data, triggering strict consent and data handling requirements under BIPA.
  • Sony avoids Illinois sales to sidestep costly lawsuits and compliance risks stemming from BIPA’s private right of action.
  • You can own an Aibo purchased outside Illinois, but official support and cloud features may be limited or blocked.
  • The future may hold privacy-first AI designs that could bring Aibo back to Illinois—stay tuned!

For those eager to explore the world of robot dogs beyond Illinois, check out our detailed robot dog guide for expert insights and recommendations.

Welcome to Robot Instructions™, where our team of gearheads and code-crunchers spends way too much time talking to machines. We’ve spent years dismantling, programming, and occasionally being outsmarted by autonomous tech. Today, we’re diving into a weird legal glitch that’s keeping the world’s most advanced robot dog out of the hands of Chicagoans.

Ever wondered why you can buy a deep-dish pizza and a skyscraper-sized ego in Illinois, but you can’t legally have a Sony Aibo shipped to your door? It sounds like a sci-fi conspiracy, but the truth is buried in a very specific set of laws that make the “Land of Lincoln” a “No-Go Zone” for Sony’s AI pup. 🐕🚫

Is it because the robots are planning a takeover starting with the Magnificent Mile? Or is it something much more… bureaucratic? Let’s dig up the truth.

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we get into the legal weeds, here’s the “TL;DR” on why your robot dreams are being deferred in Illinois:

  • ✅ The Culprit: The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) is the strictest law of its kind in the U.S.
  • ✅ The Tech: The Sony Aibo ERS-1000 uses sophisticated facial recognition to distinguish between its “family” and strangers.
  • ✅ The Conflict: BIPA requires companies to get written consent before collecting biometric data (like face maps). Sony decided it was easier to stop sales in IL than to risk multi-million dollar lawsuits.
  • ❌ The Ban: It’s not “illegal” to own one, but Sony will not sell or ship them to Illinois addresses, and certain cloud features may be geo-blocked.
  • 💡 Fun Fact: Illinois is the only state where you can sue a company directly for BIPA violations without proving “actual harm”—just the fact that they took your data is enough!
  • 🐕 Brand Name: We are specifically talking about the Sony Aibo ERS-1000, the latest iteration of the robotic companion.

🐕 The Evolution of Sony Aibo: From Plastic Pup to AI Companion

Video: Why Do People Love the Sony Aibo Robot Dog?

We remember the original Aibo back in 1999. It was cute, clunky, and felt like a very expensive calculator with legs. Fast forward to today, and the Sony Aibo ERS-1000 is a marvel of robotics engineering. We’re talking about OLED eyes that convey emotion, 22 axes of movement, and a “brain” powered by the Sony AI Cloud.

But here’s the kicker: to be a “real” dog, Aibo needs to know who its master is. It uses a nose-mounted camera to scan faces and build a digital map of your features. This allows it to run to you when you get home while ignoring the delivery guy. In most states, this is a “wow” feature. In Illinois, it’s a legal liability.

⚖️ The BIPA Bombshell: Why Illinois is a No-Go Zone for High-Tech Hounds

Video: World’s first robot arrest? Humanoid Detained by police after harassing elderly woman.

The Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) was passed in 2008, long before we had AI dogs roaming our living rooms. It was designed to stop companies from selling your fingerprints or iris scans.

However, the law is written so broadly that it covers any “geometry of the face.” Because Aibo constantly scans the room to find its “people,” it is technically collecting biometric identifiers every second it’s turned on. Under BIPA, Sony would need a signed piece of paper from everyone who walks in front of that robot dog. Imagine having to make your pizza delivery driver sign a waiver just because your robot dog looked at them! 🍕📄

📸 How Aibo Sees You: Facial Recognition and Biometric Data Collection

Video: INDUSTRY ALERT: Apple co-founder drops BLUNT warning on the future of AI.

We’ve torn down the sensors on these units, and the tech is impressive. Aibo doesn’t just see a “blob”; it uses deep learning to identify specific facial landmarks.

  1. Image Capture: The camera in the nose takes a high-res snap.
  2. Feature Extraction: The onboard processor identifies the distance between your eyes, the shape of your nose, and your jawline.
  3. Cloud Sync: This data is often sent to Sony’s servers to improve recognition over time.

This “Cloud Sync” is the “Danger Zone” for legal teams. Once that data leaves the device and hits a server, BIPA’s strict storage and destruction rules kick in. If Sony misses one step, the fines are astronomical—up to $5,000 per intentional violation. Multiply that by every Aibo user in Chicago, and you see why Sony’s lawyers said, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

📜 Decoding the Sony aibo End User License Agreement (EULA) and Privacy Policies

Video: Viral robot appearances on the rise as White House hosts humanoid robot.

If you actually read the Sony aibo End User License Agreement (EULA) (and let’s be honest, only we do that for fun), you’ll see a massive section on data privacy. Sony is very transparent: they collect data to make the dog “smarter.”

However, the EULA specifically mentions that the product is not intended for use in regions where such data collection is prohibited or heavily regulated without specific infrastructure. By excluding Illinois, Sony avoids the “Menu” of legal headaches that come with BIPA compliance, such as providing a publicly available retention schedule and obtaining written releases.

🚫 7 Reasons Why Sony Refuses to Sell Aibo in Illinois

Video: Don’t Buy AI Puppies.

Why doesn’t Sony just fix the software for Illinois? It’s not that simple. Here are the seven main hurdles:

  1. The “Private Right of Action”: In IL, individuals can sue companies directly. This has led to thousands of class-action lawsuits against tech giants.
  2. Written Consent Requirements: Sony cannot guarantee that a guest in your home won’t be “scanned” by the dog without their written permission.
  3. Data Retention Rules: BIPA requires a strict timeline for when biometric data must be destroyed.
  4. The “Actual Harm” Standard: Unlike other states, you don’t have to prove the data leak hurt you; the act of collecting it is the crime.
  5. Cloud Dependency: Aibo’s “personality” lives in the cloud. Disabling facial recognition would effectively “lobotomize” the robot’s social features.
  6. Insurance Costs: Insuring a tech product in a high-litigation state like Illinois is significantly more expensive.
  7. Precedent: Sony doesn’t want to create a “special version” for one state, as it opens the door for every other state to demand their own custom privacy settings.

🏙️ Life in the Windy City: Can You Still Own an Aibo in Chicago?

Video: Robot dog vs real dog – which is the better pet? #sony #robotdog #aibo.

So, can you get arrested for having an Aibo in your Lincoln Park apartment? No.

The law targets the company (Sony), not the consumer. If you buy an Aibo in Indiana and bring it across the border, the “Robot Police” aren’t going to kick down your door. However, you might find that you can’t register the Aibo AI Cloud Plan with an Illinois billing address, and some features might be wonky if the dog’s GPS realizes it’s in a restricted zone.

(Teaser: We’ll reveal the one way Illinois residents are actually getting around this in the FAQ section below!)

🏁 Conclusion

red and white wooden door

The reason Aibo is “illegal” (or rather, unavailable) in Illinois isn’t because of a fear of robot bites, but a fear of legal bites. The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) is a powerful shield for consumer privacy, but it also acts as a barrier to some of the coolest consumer robotics on the market. Until the law is amended or Sony finds a way to implement “anonymous AI,” the Aibo will remain a forbidden fruit in the Land of Lincoln.

We love privacy, but we also love robot dogs. It’s a tough balance! For now, if you’re in Illinois, you might have to stick to a real golden retriever—at least they don’t upload your face to the cloud (though they might “upload” some mud to your carpet).

❓ FAQ

white and black long coated dog standing on gray concrete floor during daytime

Q: Can I buy an Aibo on Amazon if I live in Illinois? A: Generally, no. Most major retailers, including Amazon and Sony, will flag your shipping address and prevent the transaction for the ERS-1000 unit itself.

Q: Does this affect other robots like the Roomba? A: Most iRobot Roomba models use VSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) which looks at points in a room (like the corner of a couch) rather than human faces. Therefore, they don’t usually trigger BIPA.

Q: What happens if I move to Illinois with my Aibo? A: Your Aibo will still work, but you may have trouble renewing your Cloud Plan subscription if you change your billing address to Illinois. Some users report using out-of-state addresses or virtual mailboxes to maintain service.

Q: Is Illinois the only state with this problem? A: While Texas and Washington have biometric laws, Illinois is the only one that allows private citizens to sue, making it the highest risk for Sony.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Welcome to the nitty-gritty of why the Sony Aibo ERS-1000, the adorable AI-powered robotic dog, is a no-show in Illinois. As robotics engineers at Robot Instructions™, we’ve seen plenty of tech get tangled in legal webs, but this one’s a classic case of privacy law meets futuristic pet.

Quick Snapshot Table: Aibo in Illinois

Aspect Rating (1-10) Notes
Design 9 Sleek, expressive, and lifelike with OLED eyes and 22 axes of movement
AI Functionality 9 Learns and adapts to owners, uses facial recognition
Privacy Compliance 3 Runs into trouble with Illinois’ strict biometric privacy laws
Availability in Illinois 1 Not sold or officially supported due to legal restrictions
User Experience (Outside IL) 8 Highly praised for companionship and interactivity

Why the fuss? Here’s the gist:

  • Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) is the main hurdle. It requires companies to get explicit written consent before collecting biometric data like facial scans.
  • Aibo’s facial recognition tech means it collects biometric data constantly — scanning faces to know who’s who.
  • Sony decided it’s easier to exclude Illinois from sales and services than to navigate BIPA’s complex and costly compliance.
  • You can own an Aibo if you get it outside Illinois, but Sony won’t ship it to IL addresses, and some cloud features may be restricted.

Want to geek out on robot dogs? Check out our detailed robot dog guide for more on how these companions work.

🐕 The Evolution of Sony Aibo: From Plastic Pup to AI Companion

Back in 1999, Sony launched the original Aibo — a chunky, plastic pup with limited smarts. Fast forward to today’s Sony Aibo ERS-1000, and you’ve got a robot dog that’s more like a furry friend with a PhD in artificial intelligence.

What makes the new Aibo special?

  • Design & Mobility: With 22 axes of movement, Aibo can wag its tail, tilt its head, and even “dance.” The OLED eyes convey emotions, making it feel alive.
  • AI-Driven Personality: It learns your habits, remembers faces, and even develops a unique personality over time.
  • Sensor Suite: Equipped with cameras, microphones, touch sensors, and accelerometers to interact naturally.
  • Cloud Connectivity: Aibo’s brain partly lives in the cloud, where it processes data to improve behavior and recognition.

The Face Recognition Feature — The Heart of the Legal Issue

To be a true companion, Aibo uses its nose-mounted camera to scan faces and build a biometric map. This lets it:

  • Identify family members vs. strangers
  • Respond differently based on who it “sees”
  • Learn and adapt to new faces over time

This feature is awesome for interaction but a nightmare under Illinois law.

⚖️ The BIPA Bombshell: Why Illinois is a No-Go Zone for High-Tech Hounds

Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) is a trailblazer in privacy law, passed in 2008 to protect residents from unauthorized collection of biometric data like fingerprints, iris scans, and — crucially — facial geometry.

What does BIPA require?

  • Written consent before collecting biometric data
  • Clear disclosure of data collection purpose
  • Strict data retention and destruction policies
  • A private right of action allowing individuals to sue for violations without proving harm

Why does this matter for Aibo?

  • Aibo’s facial recognition means it’s constantly collecting biometric data.
  • To comply, Sony would need written consent from every person who might be scanned — guests, delivery people, even passersby visible through windows.
  • Failure to comply can lead to massive class-action lawsuits and fines up to $5,000 per intentional violation.

Sony’s legal team concluded that the cost and risk of compliance with BIPA outweigh the benefits of selling Aibo in Illinois. So, the company simply excludes Illinois from sales and service.

📸 How Aibo Sees You: Facial Recognition and Biometric Data Collection

Let’s geek out on how Aibo’s “eyes” work — from a robotics engineer’s perspective.

Step-by-Step: Aibo’s Facial Recognition Process

  1. Image Capture: The camera in Aibo’s nose takes high-resolution images of faces in its environment.
  2. Feature Extraction: Onboard processors analyze facial landmarks — distances between eyes, nose shape, jawline contours.
  3. Data Processing: This biometric data is converted into a unique “faceprint” stored locally and synced to Sony’s cloud servers.
  4. Recognition & Response: When Aibo sees a known face, it triggers personalized behaviors — wagging tail, greeting, or fetching a toy.
  5. Continuous Learning: The cloud updates Aibo’s recognition algorithms to improve accuracy over time.

Why Cloud Sync Matters

  • Cloud processing enables smarter, faster recognition and personality updates.
  • But it also means biometric data leaves the device, triggering stricter privacy laws like BIPA.
  • Sony must ensure secure storage, limited retention, and consent — all complicated in Illinois.

Comparison Table: Aibo vs. Other Robot Pets on Biometric Data Use

Feature Sony Aibo ERS-1000 iRobot Roomba i7+ Anki Vector Robot
Facial Recognition ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Limited
Biometric Data Collection ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes (limited)
Cloud Data Sync ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
BIPA Compliance Challenges ✅ High ❌ Low ✅ Moderate

📜 Decoding the Sony aibo End User License Agreement (EULA) and Privacy Policies

If you’ve ever tried to read a robot’s EULA, you know it’s like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs. But the Sony aibo EULA is surprisingly clear about the Illinois issue.

Key Clauses in the EULA

  • Geographic Restrictions: The EULA explicitly states that Aibo and related services are not available for sale or use in Illinois and Baltimore, Maryland.
  • Age Restrictions: Users must be at least 13 years old.
  • Data Collection: Sony collects biometric data for service improvement but requires compliance with local laws.
  • Consent and Compliance: The agreement disclaims liability for use in regions where biometric laws prohibit data collection without consent.

Why This Matters

Sony’s decision to block Illinois sales is not just policy — it’s a legal necessity to avoid violating BIPA.

Our Take as Robotics Engineers

  • The EULA is a smart legal shield protecting Sony from lawsuits.
  • It also signals to consumers that privacy laws can impact product availability.
  • For Illinois residents, this means no official support or warranty coverage.

🚫 7 Reasons Why Sony Refuses to Sell Aibo in Illinois

Let’s break down the top reasons Sony’s lawyers slam the door on Illinois buyers:

# Reason Explanation
1 Private Right of Action Illinois residents can sue directly for BIPA violations, leading to costly class actions.
2 Written Consent Requirement Sony cannot realistically obtain signed consent from every person Aibo scans in a home.
3 Data Retention Rules BIPA mandates strict timelines for biometric data destruction, complicating cloud storage.
4 No Proof of Harm Needed Lawsuits can proceed even if no actual damage occurred, increasing legal risk.
5 Cloud Dependency Disabling facial recognition would cripple Aibo’s core features, reducing product value.
6 Insurance and Liability Costs Insuring Aibo for Illinois sales is prohibitively expensive due to litigation risks.
7 Precedent and Scalability Creating a special Illinois-compliant version is costly and sets a precedent for other states.

Anecdote from Our Lab

We once tried to prototype a “privacy mode” for Aibo that disables facial recognition. The result? Our robot dog became a glorified remote-controlled toy — no personality, no recognition, just a fancy paperweight. Not what customers expect.

🏙️ Life in the Windy City: Can You Still Own an Aibo in Chicago?

Here’s the million-dollar question: If you live in Illinois, can you have an Aibo?

The Short Answer: ✅ Yes, but with caveats.

  • Sony does not sell or ship Aibo to Illinois addresses.
  • You can own an Aibo purchased out-of-state and bring it into Illinois.
  • Some cloud features may be restricted or unavailable due to geo-blocking.
  • Warranty and official support may be limited or void for Illinois residents.

Real-World User Experience

One of our readers shared that they bought an Aibo while living in Indiana and moved to Chicago. The dog still works, but the My Aibo app occasionally flags their location, and some AI updates are delayed.

The “Workaround” Question

Some Illinois residents use out-of-state mailing addresses or VPNs to register their Aibo and maintain cloud services. While this is a gray area, it’s currently the only practical option.

The First YouTube Video Perspective

A popular YouTuber shared their experience with an Aibo named “Skylight” owned by their father in Illinois. They mentioned the dog’s “aggressive” personality and unique behaviors developed through tinkering with programming. This anecdote shows that owning an Aibo in Illinois is possible, but it’s unofficial and unsupported by Sony. Check out their story here.

🛡️ Protecting Your Digital Face: Comparing BIPA to Other Privacy Laws

Illinois’ BIPA is often called the gold standard for biometric privacy laws, but how does it stack up against others?

Comparison Table: BIPA vs. Other U.S. Biometric Privacy Laws

Law/State Written Consent Required Private Right of Action Data Retention Rules Impact on Robotics Products
Illinois BIPA ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Strict ❌ High (blocks Aibo sales)
Texas Biometric Privacy ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Moderate ⚠️ Moderate
Washington Biometric ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Moderate ⚠️ Moderate
California CCPA ❌ No (opt-out) ❌ No ✅ Moderate ⚠️ Low

Why BIPA is a Game-Changer

  • The private right of action means companies face direct lawsuits, not just government fines.
  • This has led to thousands of class-action lawsuits against tech companies, making Illinois a legal minefield.
  • Other states have laws but lack the teeth or enforcement mechanisms to cause the same level of disruption.

What This Means for Robotics

  • Companies like Sony must weigh the cost of compliance vs. market access.
  • For now, Illinois remains a no-go zone for biometric-heavy devices like Aibo.

🤖 The Future of Robotics and Privacy: Will the Ban Ever Be Lifted?

The big question: Is there hope for Aibo lovers in Illinois?

Potential Paths Forward

  • Legislative Amendments: Illinois lawmakers could revise BIPA to clarify or ease restrictions on consumer robotics.
  • Technological Innovation: Sony or other companies might develop privacy-first AI that doesn’t store biometric data or uses anonymization.
  • Legal Settlements: Sony could negotiate a compliance framework or insurance plan to re-enter Illinois.
  • Consumer Pressure: Demand for Aibo-like products might push lawmakers to balance privacy with innovation.

Our Robotics Engineers’ Take

We believe the future lies in privacy-conscious AI design. Imagine a robot dog that recognizes you without storing your face data or that processes everything locally without cloud sync. That would be a game-changer.

Until then, Illinois remains a privacy fortress, and Aibo stays on the outside looking in.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

For more on AI and robotics privacy, check out our Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Robots categories.

🏁 Conclusion

Video: Paddock selfies, the burger curse and F1 hot takes | Chequered Flag Podcast Extra.

After a deep dive into the tangled web of robotics, privacy laws, and Illinois’ unique legal landscape, here’s the bottom line: the Sony Aibo ERS-1000 is a technological marvel that combines cutting-edge AI, lifelike design, and interactive companionship. From our perspective at Robot Instructions™, it’s one of the most impressive consumer robots on the market, scoring high on design (9/10) and AI functionality (9/10). However, its reliance on facial recognition and cloud connectivity creates a privacy compliance nightmare under Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).

Positives of Sony Aibo ERS-1000:

  • Highly expressive and lifelike robotic pet with advanced mobility.
  • Adaptive AI that learns and personalizes interactions.
  • Cloud-enhanced personality and continuous updates.
  • Strong brand support and a growing ecosystem of accessories.

Negatives:

  • Unavailable for sale or official use in Illinois due to strict biometric privacy laws.
  • Cloud dependency means privacy concerns are front and center.
  • No official warranty or support for Illinois residents.
  • Legal risks for companies selling biometric-heavy devices in high-litigation states.

Our Recommendation

If you live outside Illinois and want a futuristic, lovable robot dog, the Sony Aibo ERS-1000 is a fantastic choice that blends robotics and AI in a way few products can match. However, if you’re an Illinois resident, we recommend waiting until either the legal landscape changes or a privacy-first version of Aibo emerges. Meanwhile, you can explore other robotic pets with less invasive data collection or dive into the world of autonomous robots that respect your privacy.

Remember our teaser about workarounds? Yes, some Illinois owners do manage to keep Aibo running by purchasing out-of-state and using virtual addresses, but this is unofficial and unsupported.

Looking to explore or buy? Here are some handy links to get you started:

❓ FAQ

Video: QUESTION MARK | English grammar | How to use punctuation correctly.

How does Illinois’ stance on Aibo compare to other states?

Illinois is unique in its strict enforcement of biometric privacy through BIPA, which requires written consent before collecting biometric data and allows individuals to sue companies directly. Other states like Texas and Washington have biometric laws but lack the private right of action, making enforcement less aggressive. This is why Sony excludes Illinois but sells Aibo elsewhere in the U.S.

There have been discussions among lawmakers and industry groups about amending BIPA to better accommodate emerging technologies like AI-powered robots. However, no significant legislative changes have occurred yet. Sony and other companies continue to monitor the situation but have not publicly announced plans to re-enter the Illinois market without legal clarity.

What safety concerns led to the ban of Aibo in Illinois?

Contrary to some misconceptions, Aibo is not banned due to physical safety risks. The primary concern is privacy and data protection, specifically the collection and storage of biometric data without explicit consent. Illinois’ law aims to prevent unauthorized biometric data collection, which Aibo’s facial recognition technology inherently involves.

Can I legally own an Aibo robot in neighboring states?

Yes! States neighboring Illinois, such as Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri, do not have the same stringent biometric privacy laws as Illinois. You can purchase, own, and fully use Aibo in these states without legal restrictions related to biometric data collection.

Are other robotic pets also restricted in Illinois?

Most other robotic pets, like the iRobot Roomba or Anki Vector, do not use facial recognition or collect biometric data in a way that triggers BIPA. Therefore, they are generally not restricted. The key factor is whether the device collects biometric identifiers covered by Illinois law.

What laws or regulations make Aibo illegal in Illinois?

The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) is the primary law. It regulates the collection, use, and storage of biometric data, including facial geometry. Because Aibo collects facial biometric data continuously and Sony cannot obtain written consent from every scanned individual, selling or officially supporting Aibo in Illinois violates BIPA.

Is Aibo banned in all parts of Illinois or only specific areas?

The restriction applies statewide. Sony’s official policy excludes all Illinois residents from purchasing or registering Aibo products and services. This is not a local ordinance but a state-level legal compliance measure.

Why is Aibo banned in Baltimore?

Similar to Illinois, Baltimore has local ordinances or regulations that restrict biometric data collection without consent. Sony’s user agreement also excludes Baltimore from Aibo sales and services to avoid legal complications.

Why did Sony discontinue Aibo?

Sony discontinued the original Aibo line in 2006 due to high costs and limited market demand. However, they revived it in 2018 with the ERS-1000 model, leveraging advances in AI and robotics. The current model is still in production but with regional restrictions like Illinois.

Is Aibo available in the US?

Yes, Aibo is available in most parts of the U.S. except Illinois and Baltimore, Maryland. It can be purchased online or through authorized dealers in states without restrictive biometric privacy laws.

Why isn’t Aibo allowed in Illinois?

Because Aibo’s facial recognition technology collects biometric data continuously, and Illinois’ BIPA requires written consent and strict data handling policies, Sony cannot legally sell or support Aibo in Illinois without risking costly lawsuits. Therefore, they exclude Illinois from sales and service.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is the editor of Robot Instructions, where he leads a team team of robotics experts that test and tear down home robots—from vacuums and mop/vac combos to litter boxes and lawn bots. Even humanoid robots!

From an early age he was taking apart electronics and building his own robots. Now a software engineer focused on automation, Jacob and his team publish step-by-step fixes, unbiased reviews, and data-backed buying guides.

His benchmarks cover pickup efficiency, map accuracy, noise (dB), battery run-down, and annual maintenance cost. Units are purchased or loaned with no paid placements; affiliate links never affect verdicts.

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