Aibo

AIBO - which both the Japanese word for " partner " means as can also be understood as an abbreviation for Artificial Intelligence Robot, is an entertainment robot, which was developed by Japanese electronics giant Sony as a toy. With the Sony Aibo pioneered the introduction of robots in households. In total, more than 150,000 Aibos were sold.

On January 26, 2006 Sony announced the setting of the Aibo development and production known due to a restructuring of the Group. The customer service is to be offered until 2013.

Properties

Aibo receives information about its environment by means of a camera, microphones, and to a limited extent, tactile feedback true. This information is processed in an internal computer. The output of this computer is made when delivered in an imitation of domestic dog - typical behavior, such as four-legged gait, non-verbal communication through movement of ears and tail, on - the - ground - roll, etc. In addition, there is a tone or voice output and LEDs indicating the simulated "mood" of the device directly. Published in 2006 software "Mind 3" Aibo allowed to publish his homemade pictures every day on the Internet ( Roboblog ).

An essential property of Aibos is that they can be programmed from scratch on a defined by Sony interface ( OPEN-R ). While Sony suggested advanced home users to develop in this way new "canine personalities ," she is also in the academic area of ​​interest. Serial Aibos, which have been reprogrammed in this way, came to 2008 in a separate class of RoboCup ( Robot World Cup ) against each other.

Models

The first Aibo series, model ERS 110, via the Internet was offered in 1999. Despite the relatively high price ( about 2500 € ), the 3000 pre -preserved copies in Japan were sold out within 18 minutes that. 2,000 copies in the U.S. within four days

Shortly thereafter, the almost identical ERS 111, which was get in a quantity of only 20,000, and only by lottery appeared.

The next model, the ERS 210, became the largest Aibo success, and later appeared in the ERS 210A, which had a faster processor and an improved neck. Also, the ERS 220 was later available as an A- model. This was followed by the models ERS 311 ( Latte) and ERS 312 ( Macaron ).

The Aibo Aibo ERS 210 and 220 were available in unlimited quantities. The ERS 220 has as features an extendable lamp in the head and red and blue LEDs on the face.

Other three series (among ERS 31X ) were developed mainly for the Asian market.

Since 1999, a continuous development had taken place for several years. The last model was the Aibo ERS 7M3, which was sold for € 2099.