Sony Debuts Latest AIBO Entertainment Robot with Voice Recognition

Entertainment Robot America, a division of Sony Electronics Inc., announced it will begin accepting orders in the U.S. on Nov. 16 for a new series of AIBO Entertainment Robots, which will be able to recognize up to 50 spoken words and include a variety of other advanced features.

Futuristic technological functions of the AIBO [ERS-210] begin with voice and name recognition, but also include wireless LAN movement control. (*wireless LAN card will be sold separately) The development of this second generation AIBO robot series follows in response to strong worldwide customer demand for the original AIBO Entertainment Robot model, the sold-out [ERS-110] and [ERS-111].

Orders for the new model will be accepted at both Sony Style and The Sharper Image retail stores, over the telephone via a toll-free number, and on a newly launched 3D media AIBO Web site, www.aibo.com, as well as Sony Electronics' nationwide site, www.SonyStyle.com beginning November 16th.

Consumers will also be able to purchase this generation AIBO at retail outlets, including the three official Sony stores in Sony Style in New York (550 Madison Ave.), Sony Style in San Francisco (at Metreon, in the South of Market district), and Sony Gallery Chicago (at 663 No. Michigan Ave.), in addition to all 92 of The Sharper Image stores nationwide.

The robot's full range of functionality will be brought to life in the stores though interactive demonstrations, as well as via 3D animation on the newly developed AIBO Web site. Visitors to www.aibo.com will be able to "virtually" rotate the robot in any direction, simulating the experience of interacting with an AIBO, utilizing Viewpoint 3D technology. Sony plans to manufacture enough AIBO units to accommodate anticipated customer orders, with product shipping slated for the beginning of December.

"Sony is poised to make a huge impact on the American market with the answer to the 21st century's demand for an intelligent and trainable robot companion," said Takeshi Yazawa, who heads ERA. "The first generation AIBO models already have an active global community of loyalists, and quickly became a pop-culture phenomenon. We expect that the second generation AIBO's [ERS-210] enhanced interactive capabilities will further strengthen the relationship between AIBO and thousands of new owners."

The AIBO [ERS-210] will have the capability of more intimate interaction, as a result of voice recognition technology in the autonomous application software. Additional LED lamps (light-emitting diodes) on the robot's face and tail support the robot's expressive nature by enabling AIBO to demonstrate a variety of emotions.

AIBO also features added touch sensors on its chin and back, plus the sensor on the head allows for varying degrees of response and increased sensitivity to human contact.

The AIBO [ERS-210] now has 20 joints and 20 degrees of freedom (head x 3, legs x 4 x 3, tail x 2, mouth x 1, ear x 2), enabling smooth body movement. The previous model AIBO had 16 joints and 18 degrees of freedom. Six multi-colored LEDs on the face and two on the tail allow AIBO to show a rich variety of emotions through independent blinking.

Autonomous Mode "AIBO Life" Software (sold separately)
AIBO acts as a fully autonomous robot that makes independent decisions about its own actions and behavior through the autonomous application called "AIBO Life". AIBO grows up with abundant individuality by interacting with its environment, communicating with people and learning its owner's behavioral preferences. With the use of this software, AIBO has the ability to mature from infant to adult, learning new behaviors with increased human interaction.

Voice Recognition, Voice Imitation and Photo-Taking Capabilities
When used with "AIBO" Life autonomous application software (sold separately), the [ERS-210] features voice recognition, imitates speech patterns with tonal melodies and has photo-taking capacities.

• Voice Recognition:
  AIBO has the ability to recognize and respond to a human voice. A fully matured AIBO can recognize approximately 50 simple words.



• Record Name:
  Owners can teach their own personal name for AIBO so that their [ERS-210] responds to it's own name. When called by its name, AIBO will emit a special electronic sound.



• Voice Imitation Function:
  When spoken to, AIBO will react and respond to voice tones with tonal melodies.



• Photo-Taking Function:
  When AIBO hears someone say "Take a photo", it will take a snapshot of whatever it is its range of vision. AIBO takes one photograph everyday capturing its surrounding environment. The photographs taken by AIBO can be seen on a home PC by using special "AIBO Fun Pack" software (sold separately).



• PC Card Slot Function and Wireless Control (sold separately):
  Commands can be sent to AIBO wirelessly from a computer controlling its movements by using a special AIBO wireless LAN card* and Programming Kit software.

AIBO ERS-210 Accessories (sold separately)

• A variety of AIBO-ware "Memory Stick" applications.
• Autonomous Application Software "AIBO Life"
• Demonstration Software "Hello AIBO!"
• Game Software "Party Mascot"
• "AIBO Fun Pack" (ERF-PC01)
• AIBO wireless LAN card (ERA-201D1)**
• Programming Kit "AIBO Master Studio" (ERF-PC02)**
• Energy Station (ERA-210P1)
• Special Lithium Ion Battery (ERA-210B1)
• Carrying Bag (ERA-210C1) in three color variations -- black, blue & pink
• "AIBO Programming Memory Stick"(ERA-MS008) with copy protection**

** Available in February 2001

Three Different Color Variation
Customers can choose their AIBO from among three different color variations -- silver, gold and black.

Sales Information

Entertainment Robot AIBO [ERS-210]
Includes: AIBO [ERS-210], AC Adapter, Special Lithium Ion Battery (x 1), AC Adapter, Manual and Pink Ball
Order Taking: Begins November 16, 2000.
Delivery: Begins early December 2000 (planned)
Suggested Retail Price: $1,500

How to Purchase an AIBO ERS-210
Breaking new ground for Sony ERA, orders will be accepted at selected retail stores that will also display and demonstrate AIBO, allowing more people to experience first-hand the charm of AIBO. Order taking via a variety of methods begins on November 16, 2000, with no time limit for accepting orders. Beginning Nov. 16, customers can purchase AIBO via:

• Retail Outlets: The Sony Style stores in New York, Chicago and San Francisco and all 92 of The Sharper Image stores across the U.S. will accept AIBO orders.



• Tele-commerce Toll free 1-888-917-7669. Telephone orders will be accepted Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM, and Saturday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM CST.



• Internet: www.SonyStyle.com Customers can purchase AIBO on www.SonyStyle.comor the recently re-launched AIBO Web site, www.aibo.com, featuring 24-hour service. The 3D site creates an environment for the AIBO that reaches enthusiast, potential AIBO owners and the general public. Utilizing unique animation and 3D visualization capabilities, ERA has been able to add depth and dimension to AIBO on the Internet. Visit www.aibo.com for more information.
  
  Source: Sony ERA