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Sony Breeds Cuter, Smarter Aibos

New software helps robots act like real dogs, by standing on their front legs and recognizing their owners.

Kuriko Miyake, IDG News Service

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Sony's dog-like entertainment Aibo robot can act cuter and smarter than a real dog with new software from Sony. Aibo stands on its front legs, recognizes its owner's face and voice, dances especially for the owner, and when it is running low on power, it heads for a battery charger, the company announced Thursday.

Sony unveiled two types of software in Memory Stick format for the Aibo. The ERF-210AW06J is called "Oriko Aibo" ("Smart Aibo") and the ERF-310AW13J is "Kawaii Aibo" ("Cute Aibo").

The Smart Aibo software allows owners of ERS-210 series Aibos to teach their robots to recognize names, voices, and faces. When the robot recognizes its owner, it reacts differently by dancing, according to a Sony statement. This software also makes the Aibo robot walk towards its battery charger when its remaining power is low, Sony says.

This software will come with a pink ball, a play accessory that has been available since the first Aibo robot came out, according to Masayo Endo, a spokesperson for Sony. The Aibo robots respond to this pink ball by playing with it or walking towards it.

Friendlier Pets

The Cute Aibo software, for ERS-310 series and 31L Aibo robots, makes the robot act friendlier. With this software, the robot will sense movements, voice, and faces in front of it and start approaching them. The software also programs the robot to adopt cute poses such as turning its face up, standing on its front legs, or kissing a presented hand.

Sony also announced a skateboard-like Speed Board for the ERS-210 and 220 series Aibo robots to ride and play. A user can control the Speed Board by voice. For example, when the user says "right," the Aibo robot on the Speed Board makes a right turn. It can skateboard towards where the pink ball is placed, too.

The two types of software and the Speed Board will be released on November 16 in Japan, North America, and Europe, Endo says. The Smart Aibo software will be priced at $79, the Cute Aibo software at $65, and the Speed Board at $145.

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