AIBO Now Has Self-Recharging and Owner Recognition Capabilities

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Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Entertainment Robot America (ERA), a division of Sony Electronics Inc., announced today that it will release a new software application for AIBO [ERS-210A] and [ERS-210] models that will empower the robot to autonomously recharge itself when its battery runs low and then continue its autonomous behavior (setting required).

Called AIBO Recognition [ERF210-AW06E] the software application will also feature owner recognition technology that will enable the robot to recognize its owner's name, voice and face. The new software will be available in late November with a suggested retail price of $99.

In addition, ERA also announced that it will release its AIBO [ERS-210A] series in two new seasonal colors -- a festive red [ERS-210A/R] and cool winter white [ERS-210A/WJ]. The new colored robots will start appearing on store shelves at select retail locations and made available through the Internet ( www.us.aibo.com ) in mid-November. The new models will carry a suggested retail price of $1,299.

"By infusing AIBO with increased artificial intelligence, such as voice and face recognition, we are expanding the autonomous functionality of the Entertainment Robot product line," said Victor Matsuda, ERA's vice president. "With AIBO Recognition software AIBO will now be even more pet like giving owners the ability to interact with a robot like never before."

Released on a 16MB Memory Stick AIBO Recognition software will enable the robot to determine when it is time to recharge its lithium ion battery, creating a continual life cycle.

When AIBO senses "hunger" (i.e., the need for energy) or when the owner tells the robot, it will search for and locate the recharging markers on its Energy Station*, walk over to it and navigate its body onto the station's cradle to recharge itself. Once charged, AIBO will then turn itself back on and walk away from its charger continuing its autonomous behavior (setting required).

Additionally with AIBO Recognition, an owner can first register his or her name and voice through a series of prompts. Then the owner will be prompted to look into the robot's camera to register a facial image.

When this registration procedure is completed, AIBO will have the ability to distinguish its owner's name, voice and face from other people. Upon hearing its owner's name and/ or voice and/ or seeing its face the robot will express affectionate emotions.

"With each new software development, we are increasing the autonomous nature and individuality of AIBO, increasing the capacity the robot has to make independent decisions about its own actions and behaviors," Matsuda said. Further, with AIBO Recognition the robot will have the ability to store approximately three times as many photos as current AIBO software applications.

*Energy Station sold separately.

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