AIBO is an autonomous robotic dog manufactured by Tokyo based Sony. The uniqueness of this four-legged entertainment robot is that it is able to take decisions as it develops its character.
AIBO gets its name from Artificially Intelligent RoBOt. Pronounced as eye-bow, Aibo means companion in Japanese language.
You can set AIBO’s character as that of a puppy or a grown up dog. AIBO can recognize its owner’s voice and face. It can respond to over 100 words or phrases including praises and scolding.
The computer program called AIBOware that resides in the memory stick controls the operations of AIBO. AIBOware allows the AIBO toy to evolve into a mature dog from a puppy as the learning happens. Absence of AIBOware makes AIBO run in clinic mode that allows it to perform only basic actions.
AIBO comes with stereo microphones for hearing and a color video camera for vision. A distance detector helps it to avoid obstacles. The touch sensor placed in the head allows AIBO to respond to non-verbal communication.
AIBO uses SONY’s OPEN-R platform to operate. The vision system uses SIFT algorithm to recognize its charging station. It’s the voice recognition system that runs in AIBO, which allows it to recognise owner’s voice and carry out the vocal commands.
For older people who want an end to their solitude can opt for this robotic dog. Being able to learn from external stimuli like his master, environment and other AIBOs, it matures his character as time goes on.
AIBOs are strong contenders in the Robocup autonomous soccer competition conducted for SONY four-legged robot league.
Since the launch in 1999 the sales figures for this robotic toy has crossed 1.5 million units. The popularity of AIBO has not diminished with the announcement from SONY Inc stressing the discontinuity of production of AIBO in March 2006.
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