Owners of robotic dogs hold heartbreaking funerals after Sony pulls the plug

A sci-fi scenario seen in movies from Blade Runner to Bicentennial Man is coming to life as humans mourn the loss of beloved robotic companions - in this case, Sony's adorable cyber-dog Aibo.

The electronics giant manufactured the robotic puppies from 1999 to 2006, selling 150,000 of them, the New York Times has reported.

Just last year, Sony closed down its repair centre for the product and thousands of owners are now facing grim mortality - for their pets.

Repairs can be carried out by at-home technicians but they need to use parts from other broken down Aibos, meaning the "life cycle" is necessarily limited.

The Aibos, despite not being as ubiquitous as Sony had hoped, have transformed the lives of owners - particularly in Japan.

Now, even funerals for departed robo-dogs are taking place, with mourners praying for the "spirit" inside their fallen companions.