I've often heard people talking about wanting a
'perfect' dog. One that moves rapidly at your every command. One that's house
broken from the day you get him. One that barks at intruders, but is nice and cuddly
with your family and friends. If this is the type of dog you're looking for, Sony's
AIBO is NOT the dog for you!
AIBO is an autonomous robot dog. This means that it can learn, grow,
and make its own decisions based on its environment and communication with its owner.
The word AIBO has a dual meaning. It's an acronym for 'Artificial
Intelligence Robot,' and also means 'friend' in Japanese. According to Sony,
"AIBO isn't just a computer processor with a few sensors slapped on. AIBO has
instincts, emotions, and really learns."
Each morning, AIBO begins its day with a 40-second bootup. Following
the bootup, AIBO stretches and yawns, signaling that it's ready for action. AIBO
utilizes a 64-bit, 100 MHz RISC processor and Sony's Aperios operating system. It
uses 18 motors and a stabilizing gyroscope. AIBO is equipped with a 180,000 pixel camera
hidden in its nose. The camera allows AIBO to distinguish between different colors
and avoid obstacles blocking its path. AIBO even has a favorite color!
AIBO runs on a 90-minute battery that takes between three and
four hours to recharge. Currently, AIBO is unable to recharge
himself, so it often has 'sleeping times.' AIBO's construction is fascinating, to
say the least. Its many movable joints allow it to move like a real dog. Upon
bootup, AIBO's movements mimic a recently born puppy, wobbling slightly as it slowly
walks. AIBO's movements then get more advanced as it gets used to the ground
surface it's walking on.
AIBO can perform a wide variety of tricks. It can sit, lay down, get
up, shake hands, fetch a ball, and even have an accident on your carpet...if it wants to.
You see, AIBO has its own unique personality. Sometimes it's glad to see you,
while other times it needs an attitude adjustment. AIBO recognizes a gentle pat on
the head as a positive gesture. It also recognizes a slap on top of the head as a
negative gesture. AIBO will also let you know how it's feeling. If it's happy,
AIBO's eyes are green. They turn red if AIBO is mad or upset. AIBO also
communicates with body language and its actions. If AIBO's upset with you, it may
not fetch when you tell it to. Instead, it may decide to have another accident on
your carpet.
It is strongly recommended that AIBO be an indoor pet, as contact with
dirt and water may harm its components. Software is available that will allow you to
program AIBO from your PC. Takeshi Yazawa, the general manager of the Entertainment
Robot Business Incubation Department at Sony, says researchers spent five years creating
AIBO. Yazawa hopes to develop a more sophisticated AIBO in the future that will
speak English and recognize faces with image-recognition software. Currently, AIBO speaks
using musical tones and melodies.
Sony is currently releasing 2,000 AIBO's in the United States, and
3,000 AIBOs in Japan. The cost to own one of these robotic pups is fairly
expensive: $2,500. Sony is not currently allowing outside distribution of AIBO,
which is only available online at the Sony website.
If you want to purchase AIBO, you should order online as soon as possible, as
they're selling out fast.
Please visit the Sony's website if you'd like to learn more about AIBO.
If you decide to become a fan, you may want to download an AIBO screen saver,
desktop visual, QuickTime video, or photo album from Sony's
Park Page. I really enjoyed the QuickTime videos, which show actual footage of
AIBO's actions. With its current price tag, these videos will probably be the
closest I'll ever get to AIBO.
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AIBO - Sony's New Breed by Robert Viers