3rd Generation Of Sony’s
Entertainment Robot Evolves With More Skills, Functions And Connectivity
New AIBO ERS-7 Is Your Companion With
The Right Connections
Paris, 4 September 2003 –
Sony’s lovable companion, AIBO, is entering a new phase in its evolution with the
birth of the ERS-7. A quantum leap in technology has taken AIBO’s companionship
abilities to new heights. Becoming more entertaining than ever, AIBO also boasts enhanced
communication skills and new levels of functionality. For the first time, the onboard
memory enables the new AIBO to retain the personality that it will develop over its
lifecycle. A cool new design has refined its cute looks and a richer LED display on its
face, known as ‘Illume-Face’, lets the new AIBO express a wider variety of
emotions. It is also the most connected AIBO yet, presenting built-in Wireless LAN
connectivity and a larger 32MB Memory Stick. Thanks to this, the owner can interact with
the AIBO at a distance using a PC or a mobile device.
"AIBO is evolving from a source of
fascination and entertainment into a more functional, endearing companion," says
Nicolas Babin, Director of Sony Entertainment Robot Europe. "The ERS-7 is a fantastic
step forward for the AIBO concept, aiming to facilitate interaction between humans and
robots. It opens up a world of possibilities for AIBO enthusiasts and it is a notable step
in the development of artificial intelligence as well as domestic robots.
The clever AIBO ERS-7 will present a very
new dimension of companionship to its owner. The connectivity possibilities with mobile
devices and PCs mean that AIBO will be able to perform ever more helpful actions in the
day-to-day life of its owner.
Owing to the significant progress of the hardware, Sony has developed a new software named
‘AIBO Mind’ that integrates all of AIBO’s applications onto one 32MB Memory
Stick. This software Memory Stick is supplied in English version with the main unit as an
all in one package. Today this all-inclusive software enables AIBO to behave autonomously
as well as benefit from PC-based applications.
In the autonomous mode, fun pet-like
behaviour accompanies AIBO’s ability to recognise its owner’s face and voice as
well as locate its energy station to charge itself. For the first time, this software also
features ‘Visual Pattern Recognition’ enabling AIBO to distinguish shapes and
patterns. For example, the pattern on the Energy Station pole helps AIBO to localise and
position itself quickly. In addition, the all-new AIBO Cards feature a variety of patterns
offering an alternative way of communicating visually with AIBO. These cards allow AIBO to
be given several instructions including ‘Alarm clock set-up’ or ‘Take a
picture’.
One of the key applications of the
‘AIBO Mind’ software utilising the Wireless LAN technology, allows AIBO to
remotely connect to an Internet enabled PC or mobile device. For example, the owner can
send an email instruction to AIBO asking it to take an unsuspecting picture of the
owner’s children and send it back to the mobile telephone. This extraordinary feature
demonstrates the potential for AIBO to have a more useful role in everyday life. The owner
can also benefit from the onboard Wireless LAN by transferring the pictures taken
independently by AIBO to be viewed on a PC.
Over time new contents and applications
will be made available to personalise an AIBO and will need to be added to the single
‘AIBO Mind’ Memory Stick.
AIBO’s on-board memory has been
doubled and its new 64-bit RISC processor has a clock speed that is 150% faster than its
predecessors. Several ‘touch’ sensors on AIBO’s body are now electro-static
sensors meaning that a gentle stroke on AIBO’s head or back will trigger a response
without needing to push or click. The ERS-7’s eyesight is three times better than
previous models. Finally, AIBO’s clever new behaviour has been rewarded with a new
toy, the ‘AIBOne’. In the form of a pink bone, AIBO can, for the first time
ever, pick it up in its mouth.
Eager AIBO enthusiasts need only wait
until Sony Dream World in Paris on 6th and 7th September 2003 to get a first glimpse of
the new AIBO. From the beginning of November, AIBO will be available throughout Europe,
either through selected retail outlets or online at www.eu.aibo.com.
