Sony AIBO ERS7M3 User Manual

2-657-983-11 (1)

For Customers in
the U.S.A.

Safety Information

Owner’s Record

The model number and serial number are
located on the wall of the robot’s battery
compartment and on the side of the supplied AC
adapter. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to the model and serial
number whenever you call upon your Sony

®

AIBO

Model No. ERS-7
Serial No. ________________

Customer Link (for customer support).

Warning

• To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose

the robot to rain or moisture.

• To avoid electrical shock, do not disassemble

the robot. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only. (Contact the AIBO Customer
Link (for customer support).) (page 5)

• Periodically examine the AC adapter for

conditions that may result in the risk of fire,
electrical shock, or injury to persons (such as
damage to the cords, blades, housing) and in
the event of such conditions, the AC adapter
should not be used until properly repaired or
replaced.

• Not intended for children under 8 years old.

Regulatory Information

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

Warning

• You are cautioned that any changes or

modifications not expressly approved in this

®

manual could void your authority to operate
this equipment.

• The shielded interface cable recommended in

this manual must be used with this equipment
in order to comply with the limits for a digital
device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules.

Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

Note

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This
equipment complies with FCC radiation
exposure limits set forth for uncontrolled
equipment and meets the FCC radio frequency
(RF) Exposure Guidelines in Supplement C to
OET65. This equipment has very low levels of
RF energy that is deemed to comply without
testing of specific absorption ratio (SAR).

2

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM­ION BATTERY

PLEASE DISPOSE OF THE
LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
PROPERLY

You can return your unwanted Lithium-Ion
batteries to your nearest Sony

Caution

In some areas the disposal of Lithium-Ion batteries in
household or business trash may be prohibited.

For the Sony AIBO® Customer Link (for
customer support) call 1-800-427-2988 in the
United States or contact us via e-mail at
[e-mail].
! Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-

Ion batteries.

! Danger of explosion if the battery is

incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the
ERA-7B2. Use of another battery may present
a risk of fire or explosion. Discard used
batteries according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.

! The battery used in this device may present a

fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do
not disassemble, heat above 140ºF (60ºC) or
incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly.
Keep away from children.

RECYCLING LITHIUM­ION RECHARGEABLE
BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable.
You can help preserve our environment by
returning your used rechargeable batteries to
the collection and recycling location nearest
you.
For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free
1-800-822-8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.

®

Service Center.

For Customers in
Europe

Safety Information

WARNING

• To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose

the robot to rain or moisture.

• To avoid electrical shock, do not open the

enclosure. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only. (Contact the AIBO Customer
Link (for customer support).) (page 5)

• Periodically examine the AC adapter for

conditions that may result in the risk of fire,
electric shock, or injury to persons (such as
damage to the cords, blades, housing) and in
the event of such conditions, the AC adapter
should not be used until properly replaced.

• The robot is not intended or recommended for

children under 8 years old.

• The robot must be used only with the

recommended AC adapter (ERA-201P1).

• The AC adapter is not a toy.

• Small parts can be swallowed.

• If the external flexible cable or cord is

damaged, it must be replaced or repaired only
by the manufacturer, an authorized service
agent or a similar qualified person in order to
avoid a hazard.

• All material for fastening or packing purposes

are not part of the robot and should be
discarded for children’s safety.

• Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged

under adult supervision.

3

4

Regulatory Information

This product has been tested and found to
conform to the following Safety Standards.

Toy Directive 88/378/EEC
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC
LVD Directive 73/23/EEC, 93/68/EEC
R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC

We, Sony
AIBO
in compliance with the essential requirements
and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/
5/EC.
For details, please access the following URL:
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

CE (EMC) Marking Conformity Remarks
a) This equipment complies with EN55022,

b) This product conforms with the following

“Maschinenlärminformations-Verordnung 3.
GPSGV: Der höchste Schalldruckpegel beträgt
70 dB (A) oder weniger gemäss EN ISO 7779”

®

Corporation, hereby declare that

®

Entertainment Robot, model ERS-7 is

EN55014-1 and EN61000-6-3.
Class B digital for use in following areas:
residential, business, and light-industrial.

European Directive:
89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC directive)

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM­ION BATTERY

! Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-

Ion batteries.

! Danger of explosion if the battery is

incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the
ERA-7B2. Discard used batteries according to
the manufacturer’s instructions.

! The battery used in this device may present a

fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do
not disassemble, heat above 60 ºC (140 ºF) or
incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly.
Keep away from children.

Voor de Klanten in
Nederland
(For customers in the
Netherlands)

Gooi de batterij niet weg maar lever deze in als
klein chemisch afval (KCA).

Opmerking betreffende de
geheugen-backupbatterij

(Note on a battery for memory
backup)
Dit apparaat bevat een vast
ingebouwde batterij die niet vervangen hoeft te
worden tijdens de levensduur van het apparaat.
Raadpleeg uw leverancier indien de batterij toch
vervangen moet-worden.
De batterij mag alleen vervangen worden door
vakbekwaam servicepersoneel.
Gooi de batterij niet weg maar lever deze in als
klein chemisch afval (KCA).
Lever het apparaat aan het einde van de
levensduur in voor recycling, de batterij zal dan
op correcte wijze verwerkt worden.

Fur Deutsch Kunden und
Kundinnen
(For customers in Germany)

Entsorgungshinweis: Bitte werfen Sie nur
entladene Batterien in die Sammelboxen beim
Handel oder den Kommunen. Entladen sind
Batterien in der Regel dann, wenn das Gerät
abschaltet und signalisiert „Batterie leer“ oder
nach längerer Gebrauchsdauer der Batterien
„nicht mehr einwandfrei funktioniert“. Um
sicherzugehen, kleben Sie die Batteriepole z.B.
mit einem Klebestreifen ab oder geben Sie die
Batterien einzeln in einen Plastikbeutel.

Customer Support

How can you contact the AIBO® Customer Link (for customer support)?
In the U.S.A.:
Call 1-800-427-2988
E-mail address: [e-mail]
In Europe:
English line: [phone]
German line: [phone]
French line: [phone]

For U.S. customers:

Thank you for purchasing Sony’s entertainment robot AIBO. Proper registration will enable us to
send you periodic mailings about new products and other important announcements. Registering
your product will also allow us to contact you in the unlikely event that your robot needs adjustment
or modification. Please take the time to register the product at our web site:

http://www.sony.com/productregistration

If you have any operational questions regarding your new purchase, please contact the AIBO
Customer Link (ACL) at 1-800-427-2988

Thank you.

© 2005 Sony Corporation.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved.

5

6

Table of contents

Introduction

What is an Autonomous Robot? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

What is the AIBO

Autonomous activities of the AIBO robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Emotions and instincts of the AIBO

About the AIBO robot’s character and actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

It’s a robot, but it develops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

About the AIBO

Features of the AIBO robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Features of the AIBO MIND 3 software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Guide to parts and their functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

The AIBO
The AIBO

Energy Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

®

®
®

®

Entertainment Robot? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

®

Entertainment Robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Entertainment Robot ERS-7M3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Entertainment Robot ERS-7M3 parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Entertainment Robot (stomach) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Playing with the AIBO® Entertainment Robot

Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Preparing the AIBO robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Preparing the Energy Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Playing with the AIBO

Various interactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Let the AIBO

Stopping the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot rest on the Energy Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Placing the AIBO robot on the Energy Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Removing the AIBO robot from the Energy Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

®

Entertainment Robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

®

Entertainment Robot activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Modes and Conditions of the AIBO® Entertainment Robot

Modes and conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

The AIBO

Changing modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

®

Entertainment Robot feature and mode map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Living with the AIBO® Entertainment Robot

Determining the AIBO® Entertainment Robot’s lifestyle rhythm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Determining the AIBO robot’s period of activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Switching the AIBO robot’s hourly alert ON and OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Enabling/Disabling the AIBO robot’s alarm clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

7

How to charge the AIBO robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

The AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot charges on its own (self-charge) . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

When the AIBO robot recharge is not successful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Communicating with the AIBO® Entertainment Robot

From you to the AIBO® Entertainment Robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Talking to the AIBO robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

From the AIBO

Talking AIBO robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Twinkling AIBO
Giving the AIBO
Teaching the AIBO
Teaching the AIBO
Having the AIBO

House Sitting mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Putting the AIBO robot in House Sitting mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Exiting House Sitting mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Using AIBO
Having the AIBO

Viewing Pictures with AIBO Photo Album . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Accessing the AIBO robot via wireless LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Using a “Memory Stick” media reader/writer to view pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Communicating with other AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot to you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

®

Entertainment Robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

®

Entertainment Robot its own name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

®

Entertainment Robot to recognize your name and face . . . . . . . . . . 72

®

Entertainment Robot to recognize favorite things . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

®

Entertainment Robot dance along with music (Dancer Function) . . 78

®

cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

®

Entertainment Robot take a picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

®

Entertainment Robots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

8

Raising the AIBO® Entertainment Robot

Enjoying the AIBO® Entertainment Robot’s development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Learning and acquiring skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

About the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot’s feelings and personality development . . . . . . . 98

The AIBO robot remembers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Selecting/setting custom data

Setting/changing the Game mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Setting/changing the autonomous sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Setting/changing the custom data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Playing Game 1, the AIBO

Playing Game 2, “Repeat Me” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

How to play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

®

Entertainment Robot’s “Function Demo” . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Settings

Setting the volume level of the AIBO® Entertainment Robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Adjusting the volume with an AIBO card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Adjusting the volume with the control switch on
the AIBO

Adjusting the volume using the Energy Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Changing the date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Setting the date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Setting the time zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Changing the date and time display format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Turning the wireless LAN function ON and OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Software installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Installing software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

®

Entertainment Robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Common issues and solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Checking with Clinic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Additional Information

Notes on use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Handling the AIBO robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

“Memory Stick” media handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Energy Station handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

AC adapter handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Battery handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Limited warranty (for the U.S.A. only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Service procedure (for the U.S.A. only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Reference Material

AIBO® card at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Front and back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

List of AIBO
Words understood by the AIBO

Time zone table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

®

cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

®

Entertainment Robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

9

❑ The icon

The AIBO
functions of the AIBO robot after evolving from “AIBO MIND 2” software to “AIBO
MIND 3” software.

❑ Other User’s Guides

The following User’s Guides are included in PDF format. To read them, copy them
from the supplied CD-ROM to your computer.

• “User’s Guide (PC·Network)” for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3

Explains how to use the wireless LAN function to view pictures taken by the AIBO
robot with a Web browser and how to play with your AIBO robot using a PC or
mobile communication device*.

• “User’s Guide (AIBO Entertainment Player)” for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3

Explains how to use the wireless LAN function and AIBO Entertainment Player
Ver. 2.0 software to control your AIBO robot remotely, to take still images and
video, to enjoy music with your AIBO robot, and to view the AIBO diary.

* Caution: Your PC or mobile communication device must be able to receive JPEG e-mail.

®

Entertainment Robot continues to evolve. This icon expresses the new

10

Opening the package (Checking the supplied items)

Check to see if you have the following items before starting to play with the AIBO®
Entertainment Robot.

®

AIBO

AIBO-ware “Memory Stick™” media Lithium-ion battery pack

Entertainment Robot ERS-7M3

Energy Station Energy Station AC adapter

Self-charge markers (must be mounted on the Energy Station)

• Station marker • Station pole • Foot stopper

11

AIBOne toy Pink ball

®

AIBO

cards (15) AIBO WLAN Manager 3 / AIBO

Entertainment Player Ver. 2.0 CD­ROM*

Printed materials

• “User’s Guide (Basic)” for the AIBO

robot ERS-7M3 (this document)

• Other brochures

*

The “User’s Guide (PC·Network)” for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 and “User’s Guide

• Quick Guide

• Software License Agreement

• Limited Warranty Card

(AIBO Entertainment Player)” for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 are included on the
supplied CD-ROM in PDF format.

12

Before using this product, be sure to read the supplied “Software License Agreement”.

“OPEN-R” is the standard interface for the AIBO® Entertainment Robot
system that Sony

®

is actively promoting. This interface expands the capability
of the entertainment robot through a flexible combination of hardware and
interchangeable software to suit various applications.
The AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot ERS-7M3 conforms to OPEN-R version

1.1.5.

“AIBO”, the AIBO logo , “OPEN-R” and the OPEN-R logo , “Memory Stick”,
“ ” and “ ” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.

Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks or trademarks of Intel Corporation.

Adobe Acrobat, and Reader are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

The ™ and ® marks are not shown in this document.

The visual pattern recognition software used for “AIBO MIND 3”
incorporates technology developed by Evolution Robotics, Inc.
The logo shown on the left is a trademark of Evolution Robotics, Inc.

The station pole and foot stopper of the AIBO robot are
manufactured using environment-friendly vegetable-based plastics.

Other information about the AIBO robot is available on the Internet at the following site:
http://www.aibo.com

13

Introduction

Welcome to the world of the AIBO® Entertainment Robot
ERS-7M3!
Living together with you, the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 will
develop into a pet that is uniquely yours.

Before beginning your life together with the AIBO robot, please
familiarize yourself with the following.

What is an Autonomous Robot?

What is the AIBO® Entertainment Robot?

The AIBO robot is the name which Sony® has given to its family of
entertainment robots, robots that are designed with the goal of
presenting a vision for a new type of lifestyle in which human beings
derive enjoyment from mutual existence with robotic creatures.
The name itself is a play on the words “artificial intelligence” (AI) and
“robot”, or a robot with eyes. In its home country, Japan, the word
“AIBO” also means “partner” or “companion”.

For the latest information on the AIBO robot, visit the following Web site:
http://www.aibo.com

Autonomous activities of the AIBO robot

The AIBO robot combines a body (hardware) and mind (the AIBO MIND 3 software) that
allow it to move, think, and display the lifelike attributes of emotion, instinct, learning, and
growth.
It establishes communication with people by displaying emotions, and assumes various
behaviors (autonomous actions) based on information which it gathers from its environment.
The AIBO robot is not only a robot, but an autonomous robot with the ability to complement
your life.

While living with you, the AIBO robot’s behavioral patterns will develop as it learns and
grows. For example, when it first finds its “AIBOne toy”, it may eagerly pick it up, toss it,
and play with it in various ways. Once the initial excitement is over, it may use the AIBOne
toy as a pillow for a nap. By understanding such autonomous behavior, you will get even
more enjoyment out of your life with the AIBO robot.

16

Emotions and instincts of the AIBO

®

Entertainment

Robot

Emotions and instincts form the basis for the AIBO robot’s autonomous behavior.

Based on all sorts of factors which it picks up from its surroundings, the AIBO robot
undergoes changes in spirit that display themselves in the form of emotional expression.
The AIBO robot possesses the following five basic instincts:

Love instinct: This instinct displays itself as a desire to communicate with people.
Search instinct: This instincts displays itself as a desire to satisfy its curiosity.
Movement instinct: This instincts displays itself as a desire to move about.
Recharge instinct: This instincts displays itself as a desire to find a source of electricity

to power its operation–just like the human instinct to eat.

Sleep instinct: This instincts displays itself as sleepy behavior.

About the AIBO robot’s character and actions

The character of the AIBO robot will change, depending on factors such as its environment
and its communication with you. An AIBO robot that was lively and owner-oriented may
some day turn into an independent AIBO robot that prefers to do things on its own.

Introduction

For example:

Sometimes it will toss the AIBOne toy and want you to pick it up and play along,
and sometimes it will want to play on its own.
When it has wandered into a corner, the AIBO robot may actively seek for a way
out. But an AIBO robot with a different character may simply give up and go to
sleep.

It’s a robot, but it develops

When the AIBO robot is first adopted, it is set to wake up and act as an adult. However, you can
also choose to have the AIBO robot begin life with you as a newborn puppy for you to raise and
watch as it develops.
How can the AIBO robot develop, even though it’s a robot?
That is because the AIBO robot is an

Upon joining your household, the AIBO robot adjusts itself to your life; that is the nature of
the AIBO robot’s “development”.
We hope that the AIBO robot will become your faithful companion.

“

Entertainment Robot”, designed to live with people.

17

About the AIBO® Entertainment Robot ERS-7M3

The AIBO robot ERS-7M3 consists of the combination of the AIBO robot itself, and
software (“AIBO-ware”) that is recorded on a Sony
ware” software is what constitutes the AIBO robot’s character and personality.
The present guide explains how the AIBO robot will develop and act with the AIBO MIND 3
software.

®

“Memory Stick™” media. The “AIBO-

Features of the AIBO robot

The AIBO robot has all the functions and capabilities needed to move about by itself.

A variety of senses

The AIBO robot is equipped with a variety of sensors that give it “senses”, used to make
judgments about its conditions in its surroundings.

• Sense of touch: The AIBO robot has touch sensors on its head, back, chin, and paws,

allowing it to feel human contact.

• Sense of hearing: The AIBO robot detects sounds in its environment through a pair of

stereo microphones. This makes it possible for it to respond to your
voice.

• Sense of sight: The AIBO robot is equipped with a color camera and distance sensors.

This allows it to seek out colors it likes, and to avoid obstacles. It can
also recognize your face.

• Sense of balance: The AIBO robot keeps its balance by means of acceleration sensors.

Natural, varied, and expressive movements

The AIBO robot has a vast range of natural and
expressive movements. Integrated control over the
operation of the 20 joints in the AIBO robot’s body (20
degrees of freedom), makes it possible for the AIBO
robot to achieve a rich variety of natural-looking
movements.
The AIBO robot also has a vocabulary of words and is
equipped with face lights and the ability to generate
musical tones. It uses all of these facilities to express its emotional and physical condition.

18

Features of the AIBO MIND 3 software

When the AIBO MIND 3 software is installed in the AIBO® Entertainment Robot, it learns from
you and its environment, acting on its free will as it develops into your very own AIBO robot.

The AIBOne toy and pink ball are its favorite toys!

The AIBO robot really loves its AIBOne toy and pink ball! Since it
regards them as its favorite toys, if it doesn’t see them for a while, it
will begin to search for them. If you use them to play with the AIBO
robot, you may be surprised by some of the tricks it performs!

Communication by voice

The AIBO robot uses Voice sound* to communicate its current emotional and physical
condition to you.
The AIBO robot loves to talk with you. When the AIBO robot says something to you, it is
very happy when you answer. You should talk to your AIBO robot frequently, to ensure good
communication.
The words used by the AIBO robot change according to its character. You can judge the
AIBO robot’s current character not only by its actions but also by its vocabulary.

Introduction

Boogie down!

* Voice sound refers to the capability of the AIBO robot to express its emotional and physical condition with

words in Autonomous mode. To change the sound, perform the steps described in “Setting/changing the
autonomous sound” (page 104).

19

Communication by AIBO® card

The AIBO® Entertainment Robot is capable of understanding
the meaning of the graphics on AIBO cards. By showing an
AIBO card to the AIBO robot, you can easily make various
settings, have the AIBO robot perform tricks, and enjoy a
variety of activities. Using AIBO cards, you can be sure of
smooth communication with the AIBO robot even when your
surroundings are noisy.

* Some AIBO cards serve dual functions, depending on how they are presented when you show them to the AIBO robot.

In this guide, the things you can do with AIBO cards are noted with the icon. For a full
list of available AIBO cards, see “List of AIBO cards” (page 155).

Each AIBO robot is unique

As the AIBO robot lives with you, learning to remember its favorite things (page 75) and the
face and name of its owner (page 72), it will develop into a pet that is uniquely yours.
Depending on your communication with the AIBO robot and its environment, the character
of the AIBO robot will change, which manifests itself in the actions it performs and in the
words and phrases it uses. One of the pleasures of communicating with the AIBO robot is to
observe and influence these changes.
By using AIBO Custom Manager 3, you can play new games with the AIBO robot and have
it dance and sing as you wish. Download AIBO Custom Manager 3 from the AIBO web site
(http://www.aibo.com).

20

Note

To be able to use AIBO Custom Manager 3 (supplied separately. For available updates, visit
http://www.aibo.com)*, your computer must meet the following requirements.

• Operating system: Windows® XP Home Edition or Professional, Windows® 2000 Professional,

Windows

• CPU: MMX Pentium 300 MHz or faster

• Memory: 64 MB or more

• Available hard disk space: 120 MB or more

• Display: 16-bit color display or higher; 800 × 600 pixels or more

• Equipped with a CD-ROM drive

• Capable of reading “Memory Stick™” media

* AIBO Custom Manager 3 (supplied separately. For available updates, visit http://www.aibo.com) is

software that runs on a computer.

®

Me, or Windows® 98 SE

The AIBO® Entertainment Robot matches your lifestyle.

The AIBO robot matches the rhythm of its life to yours.
It will wake you in the morning, and at night, go to bed at the same time you do. (For details,
see page 48.) When it is “hungry”, it will self-charge on the Energy Station, which it locates
by recognizing the station’s pole and marker, and when it is “tired”, it simply relaxes. Since
the AIBO robot loves to talk and play with you, it will call your name if it doesn’t see your
face for a while. When it sleeps at its favorite place, it will sleep in a special posture that is
different from the posture when sleeping somewhere else. The AIBO robot also will take a
picture every day and keep a diary. You can view the diary using the AIBO Entertainment
Player. When you go out, it will take pictures upon your command, and can spend time alone
at home on the Energy Station.

Introduction

I’ve played with the

AIBOne toy... That’s my

diary entry for today

House Sitting mode

The AIBO robot will look after the house while you are away
(page 79).
In House Sitting mode, when the AIBO robot detects a
movement, face, or sound, it snaps a picture and can notify
you by e-mail.*

* To send e-mail from the AIBO robot to you in House Sitting mode,

Wireless Router and Internet connection are required.

Click

21

The AIBO® Entertainment Robot remembers the locations of the
AIBOne toy and pink ball

The AIBO robot will remember the locations where favorite things such as the AIBOne toy
and pink ball are normally located, and it also remembers where the Energy Station is. Try
asking the AIBO robot “Where is your AIBOne?”, “Where is your ball?”, “Where is your
station?”. The AIBO robot will show you by facing in the direction of the item. When the
AIBO robot returns to the Energy Station or when it plays with the pink ball or AIBOne toy,
it may use the locations it remembers. However, the AIBO robot can also be a bit forgetful.
After a certain time has elapsed or if a new location was remembered, it may no longer recall
the previous location.

?

n

o

i

t

a

t

s

r

u

o

y

s

i

e

r

e

h

W

Game mode

AIBO MIND 3 provides a Game mode (page 108) which lets
you enjoy playing games with the AIBO robot. Using AIBO
Custom Manager 3, you can add a variety of new custom data
released on the AIBO web site.

s

Notes

• Customization is the process of adding new functions to AIBO-ware,

modifying it to suit your preferences.

• For the latest information on AIBO Custom Manager 3 (supplied

separately) and available custom data, visit our Web site at http://
www.aibo.com.

• AIBO Custom Manager 3 (supplied separately) is software that runs

on a computer.

Use your mobile communication device*1 and the Internet for even
greater enjoyment

You can use your PC, mobile communication device*1 or the Internet to mail commands to
the AIBO robot and have it take pictures while you are away, or have it convey messages to

22

nearby family or friends. You can view pictures that the AIBO® Entertainment Robot takes
using a Web browser. The following facilities are required in order to take advantage of the
AIBO robot through a mobile communication device*
For details on how to use the AIBO robot through a mobile communication device*

1

or the Internet.

1

or the
Internet, refer to the “User’s Guide (PC·Network)” for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 (PDF) on
the supplied CD-ROM. Note that Adobe

®

Acrobat® Reader® 5.0, or Adobe Reader 6.0 or

higher is required to view the User’s Guide.

Introduction

The following are required to give commands to the AIBO robot through your PC, mobile
communication device*

1

, or the Internet.

• A “Memory Stick™” media reader/writer. Only Sony brand “Memory Stick” media

reader/writers are guaranteed to operate correctly.

• When connecting your computer and Access Point by wireless LAN, the PC side must

conform to IEEE 802.11b.

• In order to use the AIBO EYES feature, you must have an e-mail account that allows

2

POP*

reception and SMTP transmission.

*1

Caution: Your PC or mobile communication device must be able to receive JPEG e-mail.

*2

The POP server must support the UIDL command (the command that displays a listing of IDs attached to
individual mail messages). Check with your provider to determine whether support is available for your
e-mail account.

Use AIBO Entertainment Player Ver. 2.0 to enrich your life with the AIBO
robot!

By connecting your AIBO robot to your PC over a wireless LAN, you can enjoy music with
your AIBO robot, have your AIBO robot read you the news, and carry on a conversation with
family and friends via the AIBO robot. The AIBO Entertainment Player also allows you to
have the AIBO robot read you its diary, indicate its current emotional and physical condition,
and show you locations it remembers. In this way, you will get to know your AIBO robot
even better.
For details on how to play with the AIBO robot using AIBO Entertainment Player, refer to
the “User’s Guide (AIBO Entertainment Player)” for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 included on
the supplied CD-ROM in PDF format. Note that Adobe
Reader 6.0 or higher is required to view the User’s Guide.

®

Acrobat® Reader® 5.0, or Adobe

23

Guide to parts and their functions

The AIBO® Entertainment Robot ERS-7M3 parts

24

Caution

• Do not cover the color camera lens or distance sensors with stickers or similar objects.

• Do not limit the AIBO robot’s freedom of movement by affixing stickers to the AIBO robot’s joints or

inserting objects into moving parts.

• When lifting the AIBO robot, be sure to handle it by its body (page 37). To avoid damage to the AIBO

robot, never lift it by its head, ears, legs, tail, or any other part.

A Stereo microphones

Allow the AIBO
listen to the surrounding environment.

B Head distance sensor

Measures the distance between the AIBO
robot and other objects.

C Color camera

Detects the color, shape, and movement of
nearby objects.

D Mouth

Picks up the AIBOne toy and expresses
emotions.

E Chest distance sensor

Measures the distance between the AIBO
robot and other objects.

F Tail

Moves up, down, left, and right to express
the AIBO robot’s emotions.

G Ears

Indicates the AIBO robot’s emotions and
condition.

H Head sensor

Detects and turns white when you gently
stroke the AIBO robot’s head.

I Wireless light (on the back of the

AIBO robot’s head)

Indicator used with the wireless LAN
function.
This light turns blue when the AIBO robot
is connected to the e-mail server.

J Pause button

When pressed, the AIBO robot’s activity
will pause or resume.

®

Entertainment Robot to

Back sensors (front, middle, and

K

rear)

Detect and turn white when you gently
stroke the AIBO robot’s back.

L Face lights (illuminated face)

These lights turn various colors to show
the AIBO robot’s emotions and
conditions.

M Head light

Detects and turns white when you touch
the head sensor.
Lights / flashes orange when one of the
AIBO robot’s joints is jammed (page 43).

N Mode indicators (inner side of ears)

These indicate the present mode and
condition of the AIBO robot (page 42).

O Operation light

During operation: turns green.
During preparation for shutdown: flashes
green.
During charging: turns orange.
When a charging error occurs: flashes
orange.
When operation stops: turns OFF.
Outside hours of activity (Sleeping on the
Energy Station):
slowly flashing green.

P Back lights (front, middle, and rear)

Detect and turn white when you gently
touch the AIBO robot’s back sensors.
These lights also turn blue (front), orange
(middle), and red (rear) to indicate a
variety of actions.

Introduction

25

The AIBO

This shows the AIBO robot with its stomach compartment cover off.

®

Entertainment Robot (stomach)

26

Caution

Do not touch the charging contacts with your bare hands. Touching the contacts will reduce contact quality.

A Paw sensors

These are located on the bottom of the

®

AIBO
detect contact with any surface it touches.
When the AIBO robot extends one of its
paws, it will react with happiness if you
touch it.

Entertainment Robot’s paws, and

G Battery pack latch (BATT Z)

Flip this latch to the rear when you want to
remove the battery.

H Chin sensor

Senses when you touch the AIBO robot’s
chin.

Introduction

B Speaker

Emits music, sound effects, and voice
guide.

C Charging terminal

When you place the AIBO robot on the
Energy Station, this part makes contact
with the station to allow charging of the
AIBO robot’s battery.

D Volume control switch (VOLUME)

Adjusts the volume of the speaker to one
of four levels (including no sound).

E Wireless LAN switch (WIRELESS)

This turns the AIBO robot’s wireless LAN
function ON or OFF.

F “Memory Stick™” media access

indicator

This indicator turns red while the AIBO
robot is reading or writing to a “Memory
Stick” media. While the indicator is ON,
you cannot remove the “Memory Stick”
media or battery by means of the
“Memory Stick” media eject button (Z) or
the battery latch (Z). Under this
circumstance, never attempt to forcibly
remove the “Memory Stick” media.

I FCC ID/MAC address label

Indicates the FCC ID and MAC address of
the AIBO robot’s wireless unit.

J Battery slot

Holds the AIBO robot’s lithium-ion battery.

K “Memory Stick” media eject button

(Z)

Press to eject the “Memory Stick” media.

L “Memory Stick” media slot

This is where you insert the provided
AIBO-ware “Memory Stick” media.

* Emergency eject hole

If you experience difficulties ejecting the
“Memory Stick” media or battery because
of a malfunction or operation problems,
place the AIBO robot in Pause mode, and
then insert an object such as a paper clip
into the emergency eject hole.
(Do not use fragile objects, such as
toothpicks, into the emergency eject hole as
they may break.)
Under normal circumstances, you do not
need to use the emergency eject hole.

27

Energy Station

7

1

2345

LCD Panel

A Charging Contacts

When you place the AIBO
Entertainment Robot on the Energy
Station, the charging contacts on the
AIBO robot’s stomach connect to the
station and the AIBO robot’s battery is
charged.

B SET/CANCEL button

Press this button to put the display panel
into the setting mode. Press it a second
time to return the display to the normal
mode.

C MODE/NEXT button

Press to change the indication in the
display panel. In the setting mode,
pressing this button changes the item you
are setting.

6

®

0
qa

D DISPLAY/- (minus) button

When the date or time indication is
displayed, press this button to change the
display format. In the setting mode, each
press of the button decreases the value.
Hold down the button to decreases the
value continuously.

E LIGHT/+ (plus) button

In the normal mode, press this button to
turn ON the backlight.
In the setting mode, press this button to
increase the value that is displayed.
Holding down the button increases the
value continuously.

F Placement detection switch

Detects when the AIBO robot is
positioned on the Energy Station.

28

G AIBO® card pocket

This holds the provided AIBO cards.

H Station pole

The AIBO
this as a reference guide to determine the
position of the Energy Station when self­charging.

I Foot stopper

These guides help the AIBO robot to
correctly position itself when sitting on
the Energy Station to self-charge. (The
AIBO robot mounts the Energy Station
by backing on to it.)

In this guide, the Energy Station (ERA-7P1) is referred to as the “Energy Station”.

®

Entertainment Robot uses

J AC Adapter terminal (on the base

of the Energy Station)

Connect this terminal to the AC adapter
supplied with the AIBO robot or the
optional AC adapter ERA-201P1.

K Station marker

The AIBO robot uses this as a reference
guide to determine the position of the
Energy Station when self-charging

L Date / Time / Time zone / Volume

level indication

M Battery indicator

Indicates the AIBO robot’s battery level.

Introduction

29

Playing with the

®

AIBO

Entertainment

Robot

Now, let’s try playing with the AIBO robot. At first, the AIBO
robot will come to life as a mature robot.
Here we will describe how to prepare and play with the AIBO
robot, and provide further information, such as how to place
the AIBO robot on the Energy Station.

Getting started

To start out, you will need the AIBO® Entertainment Robot and the Energy Station.
The supplied battery is delivered with minimal charge. Before you begin playing with the
AIBO robot, you must fully charge the battery. See page 55 for detailed instructions on
charging the battery.
First insert the battery and AIBO MIND 3 software “Memory Stick
robot and set up the Energy Station. Charge the battery.

™

” media into the AIBO

Preparing the AIBO robot

Insert the battery and AIBO MIND 3 software “Memory Stick” media into the AIBO robot.

1 Securely hold the body of the AIBO robot from above, turn it upside down,

and open the stomach compartment cover.

Caution

• Always lift the AIBO robot by its body, not by its extremities.

• Do not touch the charging contacts located on the AIBO robot with your hand. Touching the contacts

will reduce contact quality.

2 Take out the AIBO MIND 3 software “Memory Stick” media from its

plastic case.

Slide the lid toward the b mark.

32

3 Insert the AIBO MIND 3 software

“Memory Stick™” media into the AIBO®
Entertainment Robot.

With the arrow pointing down and the angled
corner facing the AIBO robot’s tail, insert the
AIBO MIND 3 software “Memory Stick” media
into the AIBO robot until it is flush with the
body.

When you want to eject the “Memory
Stick” media

Press the “Memory Stick” media eject button (Z) located next to the “Memory Stick”
media slot.

Caution

Do not set the safety switch of the “Memory Stick” media to “LOCK”.
Doing so will make it impossible for the AIBO robot’s learning and picture
taking functions to work.

Angled
corner

Playing with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

4 Insert the battery into the slot until it clicks into place.

Push here

Caution

Be sure to close the compartment cover. Leaving the compartment cover open can cause the AIBO robot to
malfunction while operating.

2

1Insert the latch of

the stomach
compartment
cover into the
receiving hinge on
the AIBO robot’s
body.

33

Preparing the Energy Station

To get the Energy Station ready for use, attach the station pole and station marker. These two
parts will enable the AIBO
whenever it needs recharging (self-charging function). However, the Energy Station can also
be used without the station pole and station marker. If you don’t want to use the self-charging
function, these attachments are not necessary.

Positioning the Energy Station

The AIBO robot’s self-charge operation, using the station pole and station marker, requires an
open space with a radius of at least 4 ft. (1.2 m) around the station pole. (the AIBO robot will
make a turn ON top of the station marker and walk backwards over the Energy Station and sit
down facing outwards.) For details on appropriate locations to place the Energy Station, see page
56 and page 57.

®

Entertainment Robot to find the Energy Station on its own

1 Attach the station marker first, followed by the station pole.

Attach the station
marker as shown.

Reverse side of station
marker.

34

Attach station pole.

2 Route the AC adapter cable along the wire guides and attach the foot

stopper.

Foot stopper

Attach the foot stopper after routing
and connecting the AC adapter cable.

About the cable

Feed the AC adapter cable through one of the cutouts on the right or left side of the
station pole base.

Playing with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

Caution

• If installation is not performed correctly as shown above, self-charging may not be possible.

• Before transporting the Energy Station, remove the station marker, station pole, and foot stopper.

35

3 Plug the AC adapter into an AC outlet.

4 Place the AIBO

When you place the AIBO robot on the Energy Station as shown below, the LCD display
shows the remaining battery capacity, and charging begins. Continue charging until the
battery indicator shows a full charge.

®

Entertainment Robot on the Energy Station.

When charging is complete, the
pump handle stops moving and
all hose image segments are lit.

zHint

When the AIBO robot is past the newborn stage, it will be able to locate and mount the Energy Station and
charge itself. For information on the self-charging function, see page 56.

If the station pole and station marker are not attached, route the AC adapter cable through one
of the cutouts in the station base as shown.

36

Station bottom view

Playing with the

AIBO® Entertainment

Robot

Now that you are ready, try playing with the AIBO robot.
Before you start playing with the AIBO robot, you can select whether it should communicate
by using words (“Voice sound”) or sounds (“Basic sound”).

zHint

The Voice sound or Basic sound selection can also be changed later. For details, see page 66.

1 Place the AIBO robot on the floor as shown

on the right.

Place the AIBO robot on a flat, non-slippery surface,
such as a low pile carpet with a hard nap. Also,
choose a quiet place so that the AIBO robot can hear
you speak.

Caution

• On a slippery floor or thick-piled carpet, the AIBO robot may trip, or the carpet may get caught in its

joints, which will inhibit its motions.

• Be sure to place the AIBO robot on the floor in the position as shown above. This will prevent the AIBO

robot from moving unexpectedly and being damaged when you press the pause button.

Playing with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

2 Press the pause button on the AIBO robot’s back.

The Pause mode ends and the operation light turns green.
In a moment, the AIBO robot will automatically begin

moving.

Caution

When you press the pause button, the face lights of the AIBO robot
may turn red. This indicates that the safety switch of the “Memory Stick™” media is set to the “LOCK”
position.
Press the pause button, and then take out the “Memory Stick” media when the AIBO robot stops moving.
Release the “Memory Stick” media safety switch (see page 33.)
(Usually when the AIBO robot starts up, the face lights turn white.)

zHint

The AIBO robot has been preset to a mature robot when it is adopted. However, you also have the option of
switching it to puppy stage, which will allow you to enjoy raising the AIBO robot from a newborn. For
details, see page 92.

37

Next, you will hear voice guide prompts for selecting Voice sound or Basic sound.

Before starting AIBO MIND 3, please decide if you want me to
speak with voice sound or basic sound.

With basic sounds, I speak using tones and sounds. With voice
sounds, I speak with a voice.

Please touch the following colors on my back sensor. For basic
sounds, touch blue. For voice sounds, touch orange.

This setting can be changed within the voice guide mode.

Within 10 seconds

Note

If no selection was made after the voice
prompt was given 10 times, Basic sound
will be automatically set, and you can
proceed to step 3.

3 To select Voice sound, touch the middle (orange) back sensor. To select

Basic sound, touch the front (blue) back sensor.

I am set for voice sounds (basic sounds).

The setting is now complete.

It’s my birthday!

The AIBO
activated as its birthday. After one year, it will celebrate its birthday by performing special
movements.

Various interactions

When the AIBO robot wakes up, try to communicate with it
as much as you can.
See page 156 for words that the AIBO robot can understand.

®

Entertainment Robot remembers the day when AIBO MIND 3 was first

When you show the AIBO robot its favorite AIBOne toy and
pink ball, it will react with great enthusiasm.
Try moving the AIBOne toy and pink ball slowly and watch
the AIBO robot as it eagerly tries its best to follow along. If
you put them on the floor, the AIBO robot will entertain you
and play with its toys.

From here on, the AIBO robot will make its own judgments and move autonomously,
developing into a pet that is uniquely yours.

38

Let the AIBO® Entertainment Robot rest on the Energy Station

The Energy Station is the AIBO robot’s favorite resting place. If you are done playing with
the AIBO robot, are going out, or going to bed, let the AIBO robot rest on its Energy Station.
While positioned there, the AIBO robot will recharge and relax.

Placing the AIBO robot on the Energy Station

As soon as you place the AIBO robot on the Energy
Station, charging begins. For details on the charging
process, see page 55.
If you place the AIBO robot on the Energy Station
while the AIBO robot is active, it will automatically
go into Station mode and recharge and relax.

zHints

• The AIBO robot can also wake up or go to sleep while on the Energy Station (page 48).

• Before going out and leaving the AIBO robot, we recommend you set up the AIBO robot so that it will

not dismount the Energy Station while you are away. For details, see page 58.

Caution

• There shouldn’t be any objects within reach of the AIBO robot’s front legs. Otherwise the legs may hit

and overturn the object when the AIBO robot tries to move, or the AIBO robot may fall off the Energy
Station.

• Do not move the AIBO robot’s rear legs while it is in Station mode. Otherwise the front legs, which can

move while in Station mode, may hit the rear legs.

• When interacting with the AIBO robot while it is on the Energy Station, place it in a location away from

direct sunlight and where the room temperature is less than 95ºF (35ºC). Operating the AIBO robot in a
high-temperature environment may cause it to malfunction.

Playing with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

Removing the AIBO robot from the Energy Station

To have the AIBO robot move about freely, gently lift it off
the Energy Station and place it on the floor, as shown in the
illustration.
The AIBO robot will be in Autonomous mode and move
autonomously.
If the AIBO robot is not on the Energy Station, it will not go to sleep or wake up at preset
times (page 48).

39

Stopping the AIBO® Entertainment Robot activity

The AIBO robot continues to be in Autonomous mode while self-charging. If you will not be
playing with the AIBO robot for a long time, want to deactivate it in an emergency, or change
settings, you can stop the AIBO robot’s activity as follows.

Putting the AIBO robot in Pause mode

Press the pause button* located on the AIBO robot’s back.
The operation light flashes green for a while and then goes
out.
Note that a slight amount of current will be drawn from the
battery while the AIBO robot activity is stopped. When not
intending to use the AIBO robot for a long time, remove
the battery.

Removing the battery

Hold the AIBO robot firmly by its body and
turn it upside down, then open the stomach
compartment cover and move the battery latch
to the rear to remove the battery.

40

Caution

• Be sure to press the pause button on the AIBO

robot’s back. Be sure to put the AIBO robot in
Pause mode before removing the battery.

• When removing the battery, support it with your hand. Otherwise, the battery may pop out and fall.

* Why is it called a pause button?

Unlike conventional electrical products found in the home, the AIBO robot has no power
switch. It is designed as an autonomous robot that moves and learns on its own, while
communicating with its surroundings. The AIBO robot carries out autonomous actions
when it wants to play and charges itself when the battery power becomes weak.
Therefore, no power switch is necessary for the AIBO robot. However, when you wish to
stop, or need to stop the AIBO robot in cases such as emergencies, you can press a
dedicated button located on the AIBO robot’s back to temporarily stop its movement.
That is why this is called the “pause button” and not the “power button”.

Battery latch

Modes and
Conditions of the

®

AIBO

Entertainment

Robot

This chapter explains the various modes and conditions of
the AIBO robot, as well as the transition between them.

Modes and conditions

The AIBO® Entertainment Robot ERS-7M3 has the following modes and conditions.

Active conditions

Remote Control mode

The AIBO robot is controlled by AIBO
Entertainment Player software on a
remote PC.

*

1

Pause mode
(Inactive condition)

The pause button on the back of the
AIBO robot has been pressed to turn
the power OFF.
The AIBO robot must be in this mode
to replace the battery or "Memory

TM

Stick

" media, or to change the
ON/OFF setting of the wireless LAN
switch.

Back pause
button

The AIBO robot
stops being
active in any of
the following
situations:

• The back
pause button
is pressed

• The battery
runs out

• The AIBO
robot has
been unable
to recover
from a fall for
a certain
length of time

• Start AIBO Entertainment

Player

• Click the (Connect) button

Autonomous

Mode indicators OFF

• End AIBO Entertainment

Player

• Click the (Disconnect)

button

Mode indicators turn blue

mode

*

(Autonomous Monitor mode

The AIBO robot moves around on its own.
The AIBO robot collects information via

The operation
light turns green

Caution

• Do not put the AIBO robot on an unstable surface where it might fall or be subject

to vibrations.

• Do not place anything near the AIBO robot that may hinder its movements.

Touch the head
sensor for 3 seconds

its camera/microphone/sensors and acts
autonomously based on its own feelings
and instincts.

Touch the chin sensor
and front (blue)
back sensor for 3 seconds

Mode indicators turn green

1

)

Rest mode

In this mode, the AIBO robot does
not move around, but it will respond
to touch, voice commands and
other sounds.

42

Mode indicators turn orange

Modes and Conditions of the AIBO

Mode indicators flash blue

• Connects automatically

• Click the (Connect) button

• The AIBO robot
mounts the
Energy Station
by itself

• The AIBO robot
is placed on the
Energy Station
while active

• The AIBO robot
dismounts the
Energy Station
by itself

• The AIBO robot
is removed
from the Energy
Station

Station mode

Mode indicators OFF

On the Energy Station, the AIBO robot wakes up
and goes to sleep at a preset time.

When the AIBO
robot is awake

The AIBO robot
relaxes while being
recharged.

At wake-up
time (page 48)

When the AIBO robot is sleeping

At bedtime the AIBO robot
falls fast asleep. If you remove
the AIBO robot from the
Energy Station outside its set
activity period, it will enter
Autonomous mode.

• End AIBO Entertainment

Player

• Click the (Disconnect)

button

Mode indicators turn blue

*

(Autonomous Monitor mode

At bedtime
(page 48)

1

)

Jam
condition

Something
has jammed
one of the
AIBO robot's
joints

Touch the

head sensor

for 3 seconds

If something gets jammed in one of the

®

Entertainment Robot's joints, the

AIBO
AIBO robot enters this condition and all of
its joints become loose. This mode is
provided to protect your fingers from
being caught in the AIBO robot's joints.

Mode indicators slowly flash green

Pick-up
condition

• Pick up while
touching the

back sensors*

• Pick up quickly

• Place on the
floor

• Touch the head
sensor for 3
seconds

*1

In Remote mode (mode indicators flash blue) and Autonomous Monitor mode (mode
indicators turn blue), the AIBO robot is connected to a PC via wireless LAN. With
these modes, you can control the AIBO robot from a remote PC and monitor the
images and sounds it detects. For details, see the "User's Guide (AIBO Entertainment
Player)" for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 (PDF).

*2

Touch two or more back sensors (any of the following combinations) for 3 seconds.

When you lift the AIBO robot, it assumes
a position that makes it easier for you to

2

hold. The AIBO robot continues to react
to your voice and touch in this condition.

Caution

When you press the 2 rear paw sensors, the
AIBO robot thinks it has been placed on the
floor and returns to Autonomous mode. The
AIBO robot may start to walk after returning to
Autonomous mode, so avoid touching the
AIBO robot's rear paw sensors while you are
holding it.

Front Rear

®

Entertainment Robot

43

The AIBO® Entertainment Robot features and mode map

When the AIBO robot is in Autonomous mode, all the activities and settings shown below are
possible. When the AIBO robot is in Station mode (when it is awake), all the activities and
settings shown below except those marked with an asterisk (*) are possible.

When you show the AIBO

AIBO EYES

• Mail check

• Message check

Refer to the "User's Guide (PC.Network)"
for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3.

• Mail received

• Message
received

Autonomous

Mode indicators

OFF

mode

Mode indicators

turn blue

• Touch the front and

robot the "Game Mode (L)"

L

card in Autonomous mode, the
game begins right away.

Game mode

(page 108)

The game
starts!

rear back sensors
simultaneously for 3
seconds

Mode indicators

turn pink

Custom

• Touch the front
(blue) back
sensor

• Touch the front (blue)
back sensor

Voice Guide

mode

Top menu

• Touch the
middle
(orange) back
sensor

44

(Autonomous Monitor mode)

• Talk to the
AIBO robot

•

Name the AIBO robot (page 71)

•

Teach the AIBO robot your name

and your face (page 72)

• Have the AIBO robot take a
picture (page 84)

• Register the AIBO robot's
favorite things

• Communicate with another
AIBO robot

• Have the AIBO robot watch your
house (page 79)

*

(page 75)

*

(page 89)

• Touch the head sensor for 3
seconds

•

Show "Alarm On/Off
(J)" card

•

Talk to the AIBO robot

Alarm
ON/OFF

(page 53)

Have the AIBO robot
wake you up!

Select

Record mode/

Clinic mode

• Touch the
rear (red)
back sensor

•

Touch the middle
(orange) back
sensor

Modes and Conditions of the AIBO

Custom Data setup

You can set up the following:

• Allocate a game
(page 102)

• Allocate a custom
data group
(page 106)

• Set sounds in
autonomous mode
(page 104)

• Touch the
middle
(orange) back
sensor

Setup mode

Clinic

• Touch the
rear (red)
back sensor

mode*

(page 135)

You can check the
AIBO robot.

Self charging setup

• Station dismount
settings (page 58)

• Self charging settings
(page 60)

•

Touch the middle
(orange) back sensor

• Touch the front
(blue) back
sensor

• Touch the rear

(red) back
sensor

Mode indicators

turn yellow

Clock setup

You can set up the following:You can set up the following:

• Wake-up time for the
AIBO robot (page 48)

• Bedtime for the AIBO
robot (page 48)

• Hourly alert ON/OFF
(page 51)

When you show the AIBO
robot the "Alarm Clock Set

I

Up (I)" card in
Autonomous mode, it
goes straight into wake­up time set up.

Development control

(page 92)

You can have fun raising
the AIBO robot from the
puppy stage.

®

Entertainment Robot

•

Touch the
middle (orange)
back sensor

When you show the AIBO robot
the "Clinic Mode (O)" card in
Autonomous mode, it goes
straight into Clinic mode.

Record mode

You can record a message or
voice signature for the AIBO
EYES feature.

zHints

• To cancel setup by voice guide,

touch the head sensor for 3
seconds and the AIBO robot will
return to Autonomous mode.

• Touch the chin sensor to return

the previous voice guide setting.

45

Changing modes

You can change the AIBO® Entertainment Robot’s mode by utilizing its head and back
sensors. An even simpler method is to use the AIBO card to directly change the AIBO robot
to the desired mode, as follows.

• Alarm Clock Set Up (page 48)

• Game Mode (page 108)

Game 1 Game 2 Game 3

• Clinic Mode (page 135)

After showing the AIBO card, follow the voice guide to select the desired setting. When you
show the AIBO robot a Game mode card, the game begins immediately.

For information on showing the AIBO robot its AIBO cards, see page 83.

zHints

•

To cancel a mode setting procedure and have the AIBO robot return to Autonomous mode, touch the head
sensor for 3 seconds.

•

For information on how to change modes with the head sensor and the back sensors of the AIBO robot, see
page 42.

•

The AIBO cards each have multiple usages. For details, see page 155.

•

While a setting is being performed via Voice Guide mode, a mode change utilizing the AIBO card is not
possible.

Clinic mode

In Clinic mode, you can verify that the basic operations of the AIBO robot are working
properly.
For details about Clinic mode, see page 135.

46

Living with the
AIBO®

Entertainment

Robot

When the AIBO robot is hungry, it instinctively searches and
recharges itself on its Energy Station, and if it is tired, it goes
off to relax.
Enjoy the functions of an autonomous robot, and your
lifestyle with the AIBO robot.

Determining the AIBO® Entertainment Robot’s lifestyle rhythm

The AIBO robot matches itself to your lifestyle.
Its pattern of living will develop to match your lifestyle.

zHints

• When the AIBO robot first wakes up, it has a preset activity period extending from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• The AIBO robot conforms to this activity pattern only when it is sitting on the Energy Station.

• When set to Remote Control mode or House Sitting mode, the AIBO robot will not go to sleep, even if it

is time to go to bed.

• Before you start playing with the AIBO robot, we suggest that you confirm the setting of its internal

clock (see page 117).

Determining the AIBO robot’s period of activity

AIBO card [Alarm Clock (wake-up time) Set Up]

You can set the time that the AIBO robot wakes up and goes to bed.
The AIBO robot wakes up and goes to bed on the Energy Station. When it is time for the
AIBO robot to go to bed, be sure to place it on the Energy Station. If you forget to place the
AIBO robot on the Energy Station, it will stay awake beyond its bedtime, but will go to sleep
as soon as you place it on the Energy Station.
You can only set the AIBO robot’s activity period while the AIBO robot is in Autonomous
mode.

zHints

• If you want the AIBO robot to be active 24 hours a day, set the wake-up time and bedtime to the same

value. For data storage purposes, the AIBO robot still automatically restarts once a day just before its set
wake-up time.

• The AIBO robot’s wake-up time is set according to its bedtime setting. Changes made to the AIBO

robot’s activity period settings while the AIBO robot is asleep on the Energy Station will not take effect
the next time it wakes up.

Here we will explain how to set the wake-up time, using 7:15 a.m. as an example.
The bedtime can be set in the same manner.
AIBO cards are used to set the time, so prepare the cards for the time that you want to set, as
well as the AM and PM cards, before performing the steps on the following page.

48

Note

The wake-up time and bedtime are set using the
12-hour time system.

12-hour time system 24-hour time system

Midnight is 12 a.m. Midnight is 0:00
Noon is 12 p.m. Noon is 12:00

12 a.m.

PM AM

12 p.m.

1 To use the voice guide:

Touch the front and rear back sensors simultaneously for 3 seconds.

Follow the voice guide below.

You can also set the wake-up time by showing the AIBO® Entertainment
Robot the “Alarm Clock Set Up (I)” card (the side with the graphics).
When you show the AIBO robot the “Alarm Clock Set Up (I)” card, you
will hear the voice guide given in step 4, and you can proceed to step 5.

This is the voice guide mode, top menu.
Please select a function.

Touch the following colors on my back sensor:
Touch blue for game and custom mode. Touch orange for set
up mode. Touch red for recording messages and clinic mode.

6 a.m.6 p.m.

Living with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

Within 10 seconds

*

2 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

Let’s proceed to the various set ups.
Touch the following colors of my back sensors:

For clock set up, touch blue. For self charging set up, touch
orange. For maturity control, touch red.

Within 10 seconds

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

*

49

3 Touch the front (blue) back sensor.

Time set up.
Touch the following colors on my back sensor. To set my wake

up time, touch blue. To set the time I go to sleep, touch orange.
To set my hourly alert, touch red.

Within 10 seconds

4 Touch the front (blue) back sensor.

Alarm clock set up. I will wake up at xx yy am.*
To change these time settings, touch blue.

*“xx” and “yy” are replaced with the currently set hour and minute.

Within 10 seconds

5 Touch the front (blue) back sensor.

Time settings.
AM or PM? Please show me the card.

Within 20 seconds

6 Show the AIBO

AM. What hour?
Please show me the card.

®

Entertainment Robot the “AM (M)” card.

*

*

*

Within 20 seconds

7 Show the AIBO robot the “7 (G)” card.

7AM. How many minutes in the ten’s column?
Please show me the card.

Within 20 seconds

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

50

*

*

8 Show the AIBO

10. How many minutes in the one’s column?
Please show me the card.

®

Entertainment Robot the “1 (A)” card.

Within 20 seconds

*

9 Show the AIBO robot the “5 (E)” card.

15. 7:15 AM. I will wake up at 7:15 AM.

This completes the setting.

zHints

• When showing the AIBO robot a number card, hide the card as soon as the AIBO robot recognizes it. If

you show the AIBO robot the same card for too long, it might recognize the same number twice. For
example, the AIBO robot may mistake “2” as “22”.

• If you only want to change part of the time setting, touch the head sensor to skip the current step (for

example, if you want to change the minute without changing the hour).

• To cancel a partially completed time setting and start over, touch the chin sensor to return to the voice

guide in step 3. To cancel changes altogether, touch the head sensor for 3 seconds. This will return the
AIBO robot to Autonomous mode.

Switching the AIBO robot’s hourly alert ON and OFF

You can have the AIBO robot sound a chime and make a movement to signal the hour and
half hour when it is sitting on the Energy Station.
This feature is turned OFF when the AIBO robot is first adopted, but you can turn it ON if
you would like to use this feature.
When the feature is turned ON, the AIBO robot will play an hourly alert to signal the time
only during hours it is awake, and only when it is sitting on the Energy Station.

Living with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

You can turn ON the AIBO robot’s hourly alert feature as follows. The procedure for turning
the time signal off is the same.

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

51

1 Touch the front and rear back sensors simultaneously for 3 seconds.

(Next, follow the voice guide.)

This is the voice guide mode, top menu.
Please select a function.

Touch the following colors on my back sensor:
Touch blue for game and custom mode. Touch orange for set
up mode. Touch red for recording messages and clinic mode.

Within 10 seconds

2 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

Let’s proceed to the various set ups.
Touch the following colors of my back sensors:

For clock set up, touch blue. For self charging set up, touch
orange. For maturity control, touch red.

Within 10 seconds

3 Touch the front (blue) back sensor.

Time set up.
Touch the following colors on my back sensor. To set my wake

up time, touch blue. To set the time I go to sleep, touch orange.
To set my hourly alert, touch red.

Within 10 seconds

4 Touch the rear (red) back sensor.

*

*

*

52

I will NOT emit a chime every hour.
To change these time settings, touch blue.

Within 10 seconds

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO® Entertainment

Robot enters the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

*

5 Touch the front (blue) back sensor.

I will emit a chime every hour.

The change is now complete.

zHint

To cancel changes by voice guide, touch the head sensor for 3 seconds to return the AIBO® Entertainment
Robot to Autonomous mode.

Enabling/Disabling the AIBO robot’s alarm clock

AIBO card (Alarm On/Off)

By setting the AIBO robot’s alarm clock, you can have the AIBO robot wake you up from its
position on the Energy Station. This alarm clock feature functions only when the AIBO robot
is sitting on the Energy Station. The alarm clock is turned OFF when the AIBO robot is first
adopted.
When the alarm clock is turned ON, the alarm sounds at the AIBO robot’s wake-up time. For
details, see page 48.
When you want to use the alarm clock feature, you must turn it ON each day. However, the
alarm time, once set, remains effective until you change it.
You can turn ON the AIBO robot’s alarm clock feature as follows. The alarm clock can be
turned OFF in the same manner.

Note

If the alarm clock is set to a time that coincides with the hourly or half-hourly chime (0 minutes, 30
minutes), the chime will not sound.

Living with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

1 Show the AIBO robot the “Alarm On/Off (J)” card.

Alternatively, you can give it the verbal command, “Set alarm”.

53

2 Touch the head sensor.

(Next, follow the voice guide.)
When you show the AIBO

will hear the voice guide given in step 3 and the setting will be changed.

The alarm clock is not set up.
Please touch blue if you are setting up my alarm to ring.
Please touch orange if you are turning off my alarm.

®

Entertainment Robot the “Alarm ON/OFF (J)” card, you

Within 10 seconds

*

3 Touch the front (blue) back sensor.

The alarm is set for XX YY AM.*

* The actual time set is given in place of xx:yy a.m.

The change is now complete.

Turning the alarm OFF when it is ringing

Touch the head sensor, chin sensor, or any of the back sensors. The alarm also stops
automatically after ringing for one minute.

54

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

Charging

The AIBO® Entertainment Robot’s source of energy is its battery which has to be regularly
charged. When using the lithium-ion battery ERA-7B2, the AIBO robot can operate (in
Autonomous mode) for about 1.5 hours on a full charge.
The AIBO robot can also find the Energy Station by itself (self-charging function).

Caution

The life of each battery depends on its usage and age.

How to charge the AIBO robot

Living with the AIBO

Whenever you place the AIBO robot
on the Energy Station, charging begins.
If you place the AIBO robot on the
Energy Station while it is active, it will
relax and wait patiently while charging
is in progress.

While being charged...
The operation light on the back of the AIBO robot
turns orange.

Caution

• There should not be any objects within reach of the AIBO robot’s front legs. Otherwise the legs may hit

and overturn the object when the AIBO robot tries to move, or the AIBO robot may fall off the Energy
Station.

• If the AIBO robot’s body is too warm when being placed on the Energy Station, charging will only start

after it has cooled down.

• Do not move the AIBO robot’s rear legs while in Station mode. Otherwise the front legs, which move in

Station mode, may hit the rear legs, causing damage.

Display indication

While charging

The pump handle moves up and down.

When charging is complete

The pump handle stops moving and all hose segments are lit.

®

Entertainment Robot

If all three segments of the battery indicator are flashing, the battery is not charging
properly. Check to see whether the battery is inserted correctly. If the flashing continues,
contact AIBO Customer Link (for customer support).

55

The AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot charges on its own

(self-charge)

The AIBO robot can use the station marker and station pole to find its way back to the Energy
Station for charging.
For information on how to set up the station marker
and station pole, see page 34.

The AIBO robot charges on its own in the following
situations:

• The battery level is low.

• When you say “Go to the Station”.

• When you show the AIBO robot the AIBO card:

“Station (G)”

zHint

If you touch the head sensor for more than 3 seconds while the AIBO robot searches for the station pole, it
will temporarily abandon the self-charge action.

Recommendations for positioning the Energy Station

• The room should be bright. But keep the station pole and station marker out of excessively

bright light, like direct sunlight.

• Place it in a location where the room temperature is less than 95ºF (35ºC). Operating the

AIBO robot in a high-temperature environment may cause it to malfunction.

• Fluorescent lighting is recommended.

• Adjust lighting so that the AIBO robot’s shadow will not fall on the station marker.

• Make sure that there are no objects nearby with patterns similar to the station marker and

station pole.

• Make sure the walls and floor close to the station pole are relatively free of patterns (e.g.,

stripes).

• The walls and floor close to the station marker and station pole should be as plain as

possible.

• If the AIBO robot is more than 4 ft. (1.2 m) away from the station pole, it may have

difficulty finding the Energy Station.

• The AIBO robot first needs to locate the station pole to determine the orientation of the

Station. It then uses the station marker to determine the direction in which to reverse onto
the Energy Station.

56

Space requirements

For the self-charging function of the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot to work, an open space
with a radius of at least 4 ft. (1.2 m) around the station pole is required. The AIBO robot will
turn around ON the station marker and move backwards onto the Energy Station facing away
from the station pole.

About 4 ft./1.2 m

Do not place any
objects in this area.

If the AIBO robot cannot find the Energy Station

The AIBO robot may not be able to find the Energy Station if the room is poorly lit, even if
the station pole and station marker are properly connected to the Station.

In this case, use the Clinic mode to check whether the AIBO robot can properly see the
station pole and station marker in your indoor environment. For information on the Clinic
mode, see page 135.

Living with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

57

Setting the AIBO® Entertainment Robot to automatically dismount/not
dismount the Energy Station

You need to preset whether the AIBO robot should automatically dismount, or not dismount
the Energy Station after it is fully charged.

If you set the AIBO robot to “Dismount the Station”, the AIBO robot will dismount the
Energy Station on its own when charging is complete and resume its previous activity. If the
AIBO robot will not dismount the Energy Station on its own, call its name or say “AIBO”.
If you do not want the AIBO robot to dismount the Energy Station on its own, set the AIBO
robot to “Do not dismount the Station”.

Notes

• Even if “Dismount the Station” is selected, the AIBO robot will not dismount the Energy Station on its

own when it was placed on the Station by you. If “Do not dismount the Station” is set, the AIBO robot
indicates this by raising the right front leg when it is positioned on the Energy Station.

• You can also make a setting so that the AIBO robot does not charge itself automatically. See “Setting

self-charge to on or off” (page 60).

Caution

When the AIBO robot is set to “Dismount the Station”, be careful of the following:

• Do not allow the AIBO robot to dismount the Energy Station alone in a room where no one is present.

• Do not place the Energy Station on an unsafe surface (such as one where it might fall, or an unstable or

tilted surface). Falling could result in injury to a person or damage to the AIBO robot.

The following describes how to change the setting from “Do not dismount the Station” to
“Dismount the Station”. Use the same procedure to change the setting from “Dismount the
Station” to “Do not dismount the Station”.

1 Touch the front and rear back sensors simultaneously for 3 seconds.

(Next, follow the voice guide.)

This is the voice guide mode, top menu.
Please select a function.

Touch the following colors on my back sensor:
Touch blue for game and custom mode. Touch orange for set
up mode. Touch red for recording messages and clinic mode.

Within 10 seconds

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

58

*

2 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

Let’s proceed to the various set ups.
Touch the following colors of my back sensors:
For clock set up, touch blue. For self charging set up, touch
orange. For maturity control, touch red.

Within 10 seconds

*

3 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

Touch blue to allow me to dismount from the station on my
own. Touch orange to NOT use self charging.

Within 10 seconds

*

4 Touch the front (blue) back sensor.

I’m currently set to NOT dismount the station on my own.
Touch blue to allow me to dismount from the station on my
own. Touch orange to NOT allow me to dismount from the
station by myself.

Within 10 seconds

*

5 Touch the front (blue) back sensor to allow the AIBO

Robot to dismount the Energy Station on its own.

I’m currently set up to dismount the station on my own.
Please do not place the station at a high location.

®

Entertainment

Living with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

The setting is now complete.

zHint

If you want to cancel changes by voice guide, press the head sensor for 3 seconds to return the AIBO robot
to Autonomous mode.

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

59

Setting self-charge to on or off

If the self-charge function is turned off, the AIBO® Entertainment Robot will not
automatically go to the Energy Station and charge itself even if the battery is getting low.
However, by showing the “Station (G)” card or by saying “Go to the station”, you can cause
the AIBO robot to start looking for the Energy Station and initiate the self-charging process.
In the default condition, the self-charge function is turned on.

This section explains how you can change the setting from on to off. To change from off to
on, perform the same steps and make the appropriate selection.

1 Touch the front and rear back sensors simultaneously for 3 seconds.

Then follow the voice guide prompts to change the setting.

This is the voice guide mode, top menu.
Please select a function.

Touch the following colors on my back sensor:
Touch blue for game and custom mode. Touch orange for set

up mode. Touch red for recording messages and clinic mode.

Within 10 seconds

*

2 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

Let’s proceed to the various set ups.
Touch the following colors of my back sensors: For clock set
up, touch blue. For self-charge set up, touch orange. For
maturity control, touch red.

Within 10 seconds

*

3 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

Touch blue to allow me to dismount from the station on my
own. Touch orange to NOT use self charging.

Within 10 seconds

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

*

60

4 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

I’m currently set up to self charge on my own.
Touch blue to allow me to start self charging. Touch orange to
NOT use self charging.

Within 10 seconds

*

5 To turn self-charging off, touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

I’m currently set up NOT to start self charging. I will NOT go
back to the station when I get hungry.

The setting is now complete.

zHint

To cancel changes by voice guide, touch the head sensor for 3 seconds to return the AIBO® Entertainment
Robot to Autonomous mode.

When the AIBO robot recharge is not successful

If the AIBO robot does not successfully self-charge and you do not charge it manually, the
operation light on the back of the AIBO robot turns OFF and the AIBO robot enters Pause
mode. If you do not charge the AIBO robot or replace the battery with a fully charged one,
the AIBO robot will not activate even if you press the pause button.

Living with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

61

62

Communicating

®

with the AIBO
Entertainment
Robot

Show the AIBO robot its AIBOne toy or pink ball, or talk to it.
The AIBO robot is always waiting to communicate with you.

From you to the AIBO® Entertainment Robot

You can communicate with the AIBO robot in several different ways.

Sight

Show the AIBO robot its favorite AIBOne toy and pink ball.
Rather than simply showing the ball, you can also wave it in a
circle and the AIBO robot will follow it with its eyes.
Whenever you show the AIBO robot one of its favorite things,
it will respond to this communication by reacting with great
enthusiasm.
The AIBO robot also loves to see your face, and will
distinguish you from others. Its ability to recognize and
respond to the AIBO cards provides another means of visual
communication.

Touch

When you lightly touch the AIBO robot’s sensors for a moment, the AIBO robot will
recognize this as another form of communication. The AIBO robot always looks forward to
having you interact with its sensors.

Head sensor

Back sensors

Chin sensor

Paw sensors (4)

When you touch the AIBO robot’s head or back sensors, the AIBO robot recognizes this as
communication from you, and the sensors should turn white. If this does not happen, try
again, as the AIBO robot did not feel your touch.

64

When the AIBO® Entertainment Robot extends one of its paws to you, try touching it, and it
will react with surprise or joy.

Praise

You can praise the AIBO robot by lightly stroking two of your
fingers back and forth across the AIBO robot’s back sensors. You
can also praise the AIBO robot by saying “Good AIBO/Good
boy/Good girl”.

Scold

You can scold the AIBO robot by very lightly tapping its back
sensors. You can also scold it by saying

“Don’t do that”

.

Communicating with the AIBO

Talking to the AIBO robot

The AIBO robot enjoys having you speak to it. See page 156 for words that the AIBO robot
can understand.

Stereo microphones

Encouragement

When the AIBO robot is unsuccessful at something, say “Go for it” to the AIBO robot as
encouragement.

®

Entertainment Robot

65

From the AIBO® Entertainment Robot to you

The AIBO robot uses words and lights to communicate its current emotional and physical
condition to you.

Talking AIBO robot

When Voice sound is selected, the AIBO robot communicates its current emotional and
physical condition to you using words. When the AIBO robot speaks to you, you should
answer, because it loves to talk with you.

Switching to voice sound

As an example, this section explains how you can change from Basic sound to Voice sound.
To change from Voice sound to Basic sound, perform the same steps and make the
appropriate selection.

zHint

You can also customize the autonomous sound of the AIBO robot. For details, see page 104.

1 Touch the front and rear back sensors simultaneously for 3 seconds.

Then follow the voice guide prompts to change the setting.

This is the voice guide mode, top menu.
Please select a function.
Touch the following colors on my back sensor:
Touch blue for game and custom mode. Touch orange for set

up mode. Touch red for recording messages and clinic mode.

2 Touch the front (blue) back sensor.

To enter game mode, touch blue. To set up custom data, touch
orange.

66

Within 10 seconds

Within 10 seconds

3 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

To allocate game, touch blue. To allocate custom data group,
touch orange. To set sounds in autonomous mode, touch red.

Within 10 seconds

4 Touch the rear (red) back sensor.

The current setting is basic sound.
To change to basic sound, touch blue. To change to voice

sound, touch orange. To change to user sound, touch red.

Within 10 seconds

5 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

(Music is heard while the change is being made.)

Communicating with the AIBO

The setting has been changed to voice sound.

zHint

To cancel changes by voice guide, touch the head sensor for 3 seconds to return the AIBO® Entertainment
Robot to Autonomous mode.

Note

Also when Voice sound has been selected, the AIBO robot will not express all of its conditions and
emotions by words.

®

Entertainment Robot

67

Twinkling AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

The AIBO robot indicates various conditions through indicator lights.

Face lights (illuminated face)

The AIBO robot communicates its current emotional and physical condition to you using
patterns formed by a number of indicators that light up in various colors.

Face light patterns (examples)

Found the

AIBOne toy

Found

the wall

*

Found the

pink ball

Detected an

edge or stairs

*

Recognized

Looking for

the station

a face

*

Recognized the

owner’s face

Found the station

pole and marker

*

*

Detected an

obstacle

Found a

favorite place

Notes

• The AIBO robot may occasionally mistake other objects for the AIBOne toy, pink ball, or a face.

• Face light patterns marked with an * will be seen faintly when the AIBO robot remembers the respective

item.

68

Mode indicators

The mode indicators indicate the AIBO® Entertainment Robot’s current mode.
For details about modes and conditions of the AIBO robot, see page 42.

Mode
indicators

Note

For details on Autonomous Monitor mode and Remote Control mode, refer to the “User’s Guide (AIBO
Entertainment Player)” for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 included on the supplied CD-ROM in PDF format.

Out

Orange Jam condition
Pink Game mode
Green Rest mode
Slowly flashing green Pick-up condition
Ye l lo w Clinic mode
Slowly flashing yellow The AIBO robot operation check mode
Blue Autonomous Monitor mode
Flashing blue Remote Control mode
Six colors light up in

sequence

Autonomous mode
Station mode

Dancer function

Wireless light

Light used with the AIBO robot’s wireless LAN function.
This light turns blue when the AIBO robot is connected to the e-mail server.
Refer to the “User’s Guide (PC·Network)” for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 (PDF) for details
about the wireless LAN function.

Communicating with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

Wireless
light

Note

When you first adopt the AIBO robot, its wireless LAN function is
disabled, so the wireless light does not turn blue.

69

Operation light

Indicates the AIBO® Entertainment Robot’s activity condition.

Operation
light

Green Active
Slowly flashing green Outside hours of activity

(Sleeping on the Energy
Station)

Orange Charging
Flashing orange Charging malfunction
Out Pause mode

(inactive condition)

Back lights

When the AIBO robot is in Autonomous mode, these lights indicate its mood and condition.

Middle

Blue (front) Flashing

RearFront

Light blue (front) Flashing

Orange (middle) Flashing

Light orange
(middle)

Red (rear) Flashing

Light pink (rear) Flashing

slowly

quickly

normally
Flashing

quickly

quickly

quickly

Sleepy or tired

Playing with the
AIBOne toy or pink ball

Condition normal

Taking a walk

Avoiding an obstacle

Searching for its owner
or being playful

70

Giving the AIBO® Entertainment Robot its own name

Give the AIBO robot a name. After you teach the AIBO robot its name, it will respond when
called. However, if you teach the AIBO robot a new name, it forgets the old one.
Even after the AIBO robot learns its own name, it still reacts when you call it “AIBO”.

1 Say “Name registration” to the AIBO robot.

The AIBO robot’s head light and back lights begin to flash.

2 Touch a back sensor.

(Next, follow the voice guide.)

Name registration.
After I count down, please say a name.
Try to make it about two seconds long.
3, 2, 1, go!

Within 10 seconds

*

3 Tell the AIBO robot its name (no more than 2

seconds long).

I’ve registered the name.
I’ve finished name registration.

If name registration is unsuccessful:

Follow the voice guide and register the name again from the beginning.

Marshmallow!

Communicating with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

zHint

The AIBO robot may have trouble learning a name that resembles one of the words it recognizes (words
understood by the AIBO robot).

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode.

71

Teaching the

AIBO® Entertainment Robot

to

recognize your name and face

You can teach the AIBO robot to recognize the names, voices, and faces of you and your
family. The owners that the AIBO robot learns to recognize take on special significance. The
AIBO robot will show special devotion to these people. You can train the AIBO robot to
recognize the name, voice, and face of up to three people.

1 Say “Owner registration” to the AIBO robot.

The AIBO robot’s head light and back lights begin to flash.

2 Touch the head sensor.

(Next, follow the voice guide.)

Owner registration.
I’m going to register my owners name, face and voice.
Touch blue for number 1. Touch orange for number 2, touch
red for number 3.

Within 10 seconds

*

3 Touch the back sensor for the number of the owner you want to register.

Number one. (or Number two, Number three).
When you are ready, please touch my head sensor.

Within 10 seconds

*

4 Touch the head sensor.

After I count down, please say the owner’s name.
Try to make it about two seconds long.
3, 2, 1, go.

Within 10 seconds

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

*

72

5 Tell the AIBO

®

Entertainment
Robot its owner’s name (no more
than 2 seconds long).

I’ve registered the owner’s
name.

Next, I’ll learn your face and
voice. I will now take your
picture.

When you are ready, please touch my head sensor.

About 20 in./
50 cm
away

Communicating with the AIBO

Within 10 seconds

*

6 Touch the head sensor while showing your face to the AIBO robot.

3, 2, 1, go.

The AIBO robot takes a picture of your face.

Next, I’ll learn your face and voice.
Please position your face in front of the camera for the

remainder of the registration.

Within 10 seconds

7 While showing the AIBO robot your face, follow the voice guide and say “I

am your owner”, “I love you AIBO”, “AIBO”, and “Hello”.

I registered your voice.
I’ve finished owner registration.

Caution

While learning to recognize your face, the brightness of the room affects how your face is lit, and may
affect recognition in different lighting conditions.

®

Entertainment Robot

Note

In step 3, if you select a number that has already been registered, the AIBO robot says the registered name.

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

73

If the AIBO® Entertainment Robot says, “I can’t see your face”

•

Slowly lift the AIBO robot up until the color camera
(in its nose) is at the same height as your face.

• If room brightness differs from that when it learned

your face, it may not be able to recognize you.

• When teaching the AIBO robot to recognize your

face, make sure your face is even with the camera,
without tilting it right or left.

• If you are wearing a distinctive item, such as thick-

rimmed glasses, the AIBO robot may not be able to
identify you.

• If your hair is covering your face, the AIBO robot

may not be able to identify you.

• If the room is dark, or the light is coming from behind you, the AIBO robot may not be

able to identify you. Perform this setting in a bright room. Fluorescent lighting is
recommended.

Checking the picture of a registered owner

The picture taken by the AIBO robot during owner registration is stored on its “Memory
Stick™” media.
You can view the pictures of registered owners by,

• Directly accessing the AIBO robot from a Web browser via a wireless LAN.

• Using a “Memory Stick” media reader/writer.

• Using AIBO Entertainment Player.

If you have trouble during
owner registration.

For details on how to view pictures, refer to page 86 or the “User’s Guide (PC·Network)” for
the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 included on the supplied CD-ROM in PDF format.

74

Teaching the AIBO® Entertainment Robot to recognize favorite things

When you teach the AIBO robot to recognize
your favorite things, they become the AIBO
robot’s favorite things, too. You can train the
AIBO robot to recognize up to three favorite
things. When the AIBO robot finds one of its
favorite things, it will convey that to you with
great enthusiasm.
You can only teach the AIBO robot to
recognize favorite things when it is in
Autonomous mode.

Chocolate

zHint

We recommend you teach the AIBO robot to
recognize square objects, such as a box of
chocolates.

1 Say “Favorite thing registration” while the AIBO robot is in Autonomous

mode.

Communicating with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

The AIBO robot sits down and its head light and back lights begin to flash.

Within 10 seconds

2 Touch the head sensor.

(Next, follow the voice guide.)

I will now learn one of my favorite things.
Press blue for number 1, press orange for number 2, press red
for number 3.

Within 10 seconds

3 Touch the back sensor for the number of the favorite thing you want to

register.

Number one. (or Number two, Number three).
When you are ready, please touch my head sensor.

Within 10 seconds

75

4 Touch the head sensor.

Say the name of my favorite thing.
Try to make it about two seconds long.
3, 2, 1, go!

Within 10 seconds

5 Tell the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot the name of the favorite thing in 2

seconds.

When the name is registered, the AIBO robot speaks the registered name in its own
voice.

Put my favorite thing in front of my nose so I can see it.
When all of my back lights are illuminated, press my head
sensor.

Within 10 seconds

6 While showing the AIBO robot the favorite

thing, touch the head sensor.

The back lights turn ON in accordance with how far
the object is from the AIBO robot’s camera.

Position the object you want the AIBO robot to
recognize so that all 3 back lights are illuminated.

The AIBO robot takes a picture of the favorite thing.
When it has finished taking the picture, the AIBO

robot raises its front paws and speaks the name of its favorite thing in its own voice.

76

This completes the registration.
When the AIBO robot finds the registered favorite thing while in Autonomous mode, it

will show you its excitement by saying the object’s name in its own voice and raising
its front paws.

Notes

• When registering a favorite thing, the AIBO robot may register objects in the background along with it.

When this happens, the AIBO robot may react as though it has discovered the favorite thing when it
recognizes the background, even if the favorite thing is not there. Therefore, we recommend that you
register favorite things with a blank wall as the background, or in such a way that the background is not
registered.
Also, favorite things with complex graphics are easier for the AIBO robot to recognize and find.

• When the AIBO robot is on the Energy Station, registration of favorite things is not possible.

Checking the picture of a registered favorite thing

The picture taken by the AIBO® Entertainment Robot during favorite thing registration is
stored on its “Memory Stick™” media.
You can view the pictures of registered favorite things by

• Directly accessing the AIBO robot from a Web browser via a wireless LAN.

• Using a “Memory Stick” media reader/writer.

For details on how to view pictures, refer to page 86 or the “User’s Guide (PC·Network)” for
the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 included on the supplied CD-ROM in PDF format.

Note

If you check the picture of a favorite thing and find that a background with patterns or objects has been
registered, we recommend that you re-register the favorite thing with a blank wall as the background.

Communicating with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

77

Having the AIBO® Entertainment Robot dance along with music (Dancer Function)

When you play music for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3, it performs various dances in sync with
the rhythm and volume of the music. Try playing your favorite music and enjoy watching
how the AIBO robot dances around happily.

Caution

• For more on handling and operating the AIBO robot, refer to the separate “User’s Guide (Basic).”

• When operating under the Dancer function, the AIBO robot does not respond to the pink ball, the

AIBOne toy, your face, your favorite things, or AIBO cards.

• The AIBO robot does not charge automatically, even if its remaining battery power is low.

• The Dancer function can also operate while the AIBO robot is on the Energy Station. But when the

AIBO robot is taken off or placed on the Energy Station, the Dancer function turns off.

• In the puppy stage, the Dancer function cannot be used.

1 Say “Dance to the music” or “Groove to the music” while the AIBO robot is

in Autonomous mode.

The AIBO robot’s head light begins to flash orange.

2 Touch the head sensor, or say “Dance to the music” or “Groove to the

music” again.

The mode indicators turn each of the six colors in order.
(While the Dancer function is operating, the mode indicators continue to turn each of

the six colors.)

3 Play your favorite music.

The AIBO robot begins keeping the rhythm and dancing in time to the music.

zHints

• The AIBO robot may not be able to dance well to certain types of music.

• If you leave the AIBO robot operating under the Dancer function for 30 minutes or more, the AIBO

robot stops dancing (but the mode indicators continue to turn each of the six colors). When this happens,
touch the back sensor or head sensor to make the AIBO robot begin dancing again.

To turn off the dancer function

Touch the head sensor for at least 3 seconds, or touch the chin sensor.

78

House Sitting mode

You can set the AIBO® Entertainment Robot to watch over your house from the Energy
Station while you are away.
When you ask the AIBO robot to house sit, it will enter House Sitting mode and wait for you
to return. In House Sitting mode, when the AIBO robot detects a movement, face, or sound,
you can set it to snap a picture and notify you by e-mail.

Caution

• In House Sitting mode, the AIBO robot takes pictures or records

sounds in response to moving objects, faces, or sounds. Be
careful not to place the AIBO robot where an object in front of its
camera is constantly moving or making sounds, because the
AIBO robot will take frequent pictures or sound recordings of it.

• Do not place the Energy Station in an unstable location (such as a

wobbly or slanting surface, or a place where the AIBO robot
could fall). The AIBO robot may break or malfunction if it falls off of something or tips over.

• When directly asking the AIBO robot to house sit, place it in a location away from direct sunlight and

where the room temperature is less than 95ºF (35ºC). Operating the AIBO robot in a high-temperature
environment may cause it to malfunction.

Click

Putting the AIBO robot in House Sitting mode

1 Say “House sitting mode” while the AIBO robot is on the Energy Station.

Or, touch the chin sensor and front (blue) back sensor for 3 seconds.

If you touch the chin sensor and front (blue) back sensor, you will hear the voice guide
given in step 2, and you can proceed to step 3.

The AIBO robot’s head light begins to flash.

Within 10 seconds

Communicating with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

2 Touch the head sensor.

(Next, follow the voice guide.)

House sitting mode.
I will take pictures of moving things and record loud sounds.
Press my head sensor to start or back sensor to change

settings.

Within 10 seconds

79

3 Touch the head sensor.

At this time, you can also set how the AIBO® Entertainment Robot operates in House
Sitting mode. For details, see “Settings for House Sitting mode” (page 81).

I will start house sitting shortly.

The AIBO robot will wait for 3 minutes before going into House Sitting mode.
During this time, the AIBO robot will notify you at 30-second intervals of the time

remaining before House Sitting mode begins.

I’m going to watch the house now.

The AIBO robot enters House Sitting mode.
While house sitting, the AIBO robot’s front (blue) back light flashes.

Note

In step 3, even if you leave the AIBO robot for 30 seconds or more without touching the head sensor, the
AIBO robot will still start waiting for 3 minutes and then begin house sitting.

While the AIBO robot is watching the house

While house sitting, the AIBO robot looks for moving objects and faces, and listens for
sounds. If the AIBO robot detects something, it takes a picture or records the sound.
The AIBO robot’s middle (orange) back light illuminates after taking a picture, and its rear
(red) back light illuminates when a sound is recorded. If no pictures or sounds are recorded in
House Sitting mode, the front (blue) back light will continue to flash.
The AIBO robot can take up to 15 pictures of moving objects, faces, and in the direction of
sounds. In addition, it can make up to 9 sound recordings. If the number of recorded pictures
or sounds exceeds this, each time a new picture or sound is recorded, the oldest picture or
sound will be deleted.

80

Settings for House Sitting mode

In step 3, when you touch the back sensor, the “Settings for house sitting mode” voice guide
starts. Follow the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot’s voice guide to perform the necessary

operations.You can configure the following options in the Settings for House Sitting mode.

Option Description

Head angle adjustment Adjusts the angle of the AIBO robot’s head up or down

Motion detection sensitivity Adjusts how sensitive the AIBO robot is to movement.

Select from high, normal, low, or off.

Sound detection sensitivity Adjusts how sensitive the AIBO robot is to sound.

Select from high, normal, low, or off.

E-mail photo setting Specifies whether the AIBO robot, after taking a picture, automatically

sends it by e-mail to your PC or mobile phone.

Notes

• If you do nothing for 30 seconds or more while configuring settings, House Sitting mode is canceled and

the AIBO robot returns to Autonomous mode.

• If you touch the head sensor while configuring settings, House Sitting mode will remain in effect and

start as usual.

• When setting “Motion detection sensitivity” and “Sound detection sensitivity”, if you move an object or

make a sound in front of the AIBO robot, it will signal that it has detected the motion or sound by
clicking the shutter. Use the sound of the shutter clicking to gauge sensitivity.

• If the AIBO robot continuously takes photos when “Motion detection sensitivity” or “Sound detection

sensitivity” is set to “High”, you may not receive all of the e-mail photo attachments it sends, depending
on your server. If that is the case, set the sensitivity to “Normal” or “Low”.

Communicating with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

Having the AIBO robot attach pictures to e-mail

Turn ON “e-mail photo settings” under Settings for House Sitting mode.
To use this function, you must configure wireless LAN settings in advance and set the AIBO
robot so it can send e-mail to your PC or mobile communication device. See “User’s Guide
(PC·Network)” for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 included on the supplied CD-ROM in PDF
format.

81

Starting or stopping House Sitting mode by e-mail

By sending an AIBO MAIL command from your mobile communication device or PC, you
can start or stop House sitting mode from a remote location while the AIBO

®

Entertainment
Robot is on the Energy Station. If the AIBO robot is not on the Energy Station, it will not
carry out commands sent by e-mail.
To use this function, you must configure wireless LAN settings in advance and have it set up
so you can send AIBO MAIL. For details, see the “User’s Guide (PC·Network)” for the
AIBO robot ERS-7M3 included on the supplied CD-ROM in PDF format.
Write the AIBO MAIL command as follows.

Always enter “AIBO MAIL” as the subject text.
(Insert one space between “AIBO” and “MAIL”. Do not include a
space after “AIBO MAIL”.)

Exiting House Sitting mode

Say “I’m here” or “I’m back” or call the AIBO robot’s name.
Or, touch the head sensor for 3 seconds.
When calling its name, make sure to call the name you gave the AIBO
robot during name registration. If you just say “AIBO”, the AIBO
robot will not exit House Sitting mode.

I’m here

After the voice guide finishes, touch the head sensor.
The AIBO robot notifies you of the number of pictures it took and sound recordings it made
in House Sitting mode and then exits House Sitting mode.

ww

Notes

• The AIBO robot will also exit House Sitting mode if it is taken off of the Energy Station. If this happens,

the AIBO robot will not report details about the pictures and recordings it took in House Sitting mode.

• The AIBO robot also will not report details if the number of pictures or recordings taken in House

Sitting mode exceeds 99. The AIBO robot will play back up to 9 sound recordings in its memory.

• If you say “I’m here” or “I’m back” to bring the AIBO robot out of House Sitting mode, it may be

recorded as a sound detected in House Sitting mode. Touching the head sensor for 3 seconds completely
exits House Sitting mode.

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Using AIBO® cards

The AIBO cards provided with the AIBO® Entertainment Robot allow many different types of
Autonomous mode play, and also allow you to switch the AIBO robot to various modes. The
AIBO robot can understand communications from you by recognizing the graphics printed on the
cards. This allows you to give it commands even when it is moving around or when the
surroundings are noisy.
For information about how to use the AIBO cards, please see the “AIBO card at a glance” (page

154).

Showing the AIBO cards to the AIBO robot

Show AIBO cards (the side with the graphics) to the
AIBO robot as shown in the illustration.
If the AIBO robot does not recognize the card,
adjust the card height so that it is at the same height
as the color camera in the AIBO robot’s nose.

Take note of the following points.

• If the card is too close to the AIBO robot, the AIBO

robot will not be able to see the entire card. Hold
the card at a distance of 8 to 12 in./20 to 30 cm.

Also make sure that the AIBO robot is not
looking at the card against bright
background lighting.

• Make sure that you hold the card right in front of

the AIBO robot’s camera vertically.

• Remember that the AIBO robot will not be able to recognize

the card if the card’s graphic is partially hidden by your
fingers or the sleeve of your clothing.

• The AIBO robot may also have difficulty recognizing a card if

the room is dark or lighting is shining brightly from behind.
Perform this setting in a bright room. Fluorescent lighting is
recommended.

About 8 to
12 in. (20 to
30 cm)

Hold straight

Communicating with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

When finished using the AIBO cards

To prevent losing the cards, place them into the card
pocket on the station pole.

AIBO card pocket

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Having the AIBO® Entertainment Robot take a picture

AIBO card (Photo)

You can tell the AIBO robot to “Take a picture” when it is in Autonomous mode or Station
mode and it will count down and take a picture for you.
Even if you do not ask the AIBO robot to take a picture, it may decide to surprise you by
taking a picture in its favorite place.
The AIBO robot can take a total of 10 pictures when told to “Take a picture”, when shown
the “Photo (B)” AIBO card, or when sent an AIBO MAIL command to take a picture. The
AIBO robot will memorize only one photo taken on its own such as at its favorite place or
today’s souvenir picture.

Caution

• When the number of pictures stored on

the AIBO robot’s “Memory Stick™”
media exceeds the total available, the
oldest picture will be deleted each time
you take a new picture.

®

• Sony

disclaims all responsibility for any
problems arising out of allegations of
infringement of rights due to pictures
taken using the AIBO robot. Be careful to
avoid taking pictures that might
inconvenience others.

Color camera

About the pictures

• Pictures are stored on the “Memory Stick” media in JPEG format.

• The picture resolution is 416

× 320 pixels.

• Depending on lighting conditions at the time the picture is taken, flicker (horizontal

stripes) may appear in pictures, or pictures may have red or blue hues.

• Fast movement may result in distortion of pictures.

You can instruct the AIBO robot to take pictures by sending the AIBO robot mail from your
mobile communication device* or PC. For details, refer to the “User’s Guide (PC·Network)”
for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 included on the supplied CD-ROM in PDF format.

* Caution: Your PC or mobile communication device must be able to receive JPEG e-mail.

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1 Say “Take a picture”, or show the AIBO

®

(B)” card.

The AIBO robot’s head light and back lights begin to flash.

Entertainment Robot the “Photo

“Take a picture.”

Communicating with the AIBO

Within 10 seconds

*

2 Touch the head sensor, or say “Snap shot”.

The AIBO robot starts to count down and takes a picture when the shutter clicks.

Caution

When you set the safety switch of the “Memory Stick™” media to “LOCK,” the AIBO robot cannot store
any pictures.

Viewing pictures taken by the AIBO robot

Pictures taken by the AIBO robot are stored on its “Memory Stick” media.
You can view the pictures of registered favorite things by

• Directly accessing the AIBO robot from a Web browser via a wireless LAN.

• Using a “Memory Stick” media reader/writer.

For details on how to view pictures, refer to page 86 or the “User’s Guide (PC·Network)” for
the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 included on the supplied CD-ROM in PDF format.

®

Entertainment Robot

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode or returns to the previous state.

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Viewing Pictures with AIBO Photo Album

You can view the pictures taken by the AIBO® Entertainment Robot, such as pictures taken
in House Sitting mode and pictures of the AIBO robot’s favorite things.
You can view these pictures by

• Directly accessing the AIBO robot from a Web browser via a wireless LAN.

• Using a “Memory Stick™” media reader/writer.

Accessing the AIBO robot via wireless LAN

To use this function, you must configure wireless LAN settings in advance.
For details, see the “User’s Guide (PC·Network)” for the AIBO robot ERS-7M3 included on
the supplied CD-ROM in PDF format.

1 Start your PC’s Web browser, and access the following address:

http://XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX

AIBO robot IP address

Alternatively, you can double-click the AIBO robot icon on the “AIBO Search” tab of
the “AIBO WLAN Manager 3”.

zHint

For information on your AIBO robot’s IP address, refer to “User’s Guide (PC·Network)” for the AIBO
robot ERS-7M3.

The AIBO MIND 3 software top page is displayed.

2 Click [Pictures taken by AIBO] under [AIBO PHOTO ALBUM].

A list of pictures stored on the “Memory Stick” media is displayed.

86

Note

If you have set a user ID and password with AIBO WLAN Manager 3, an input screen appears for your
user ID and password.

Communicating with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

* The images shown above are displayed in Web pages, so their resolutions differ from that of the actual

pictures taken by the AIBO® Entertainment Robot.

• Pictures taken by voice commands, AIBO card and AIBO MAIL (Max. 10)

This displays the photos taken by the AIBO robot when told to “Take a picture”,
shown the “Photo (B)” card, or sent an AIBO MAIL from a PC or mobile
communication device.

• Pictures and sounds recorded during House Sitting mode (Max. 15)

This displays the photos taken by the AIBO robot while in House Sitting mode. You
can also listen to sounds the AIBO robot has recorded.

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• Friendly faces (Max. 3)

This displays the photos registered by the AIBO robot of its owner’s faces.

• Favorite things (Max. 3)

This displays the photos registered by the AIBO robot of its favorite things.

• Favorite place (Max. 1)

This displays the photo taken by the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot of its favorite

place.

• Today’s souvenir picture (Max. 1)

This displays the photo taken by the AIBO robot for its diary.

Click on an image to display an enlarged version in a separate window. Picture
resolution is 416 × 320 pixels.

* Please ensure that you are using Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.

zHints

• To view the most recent picture, reload the web page.

• Set the Web browser cache appropriately.

- With Microsoft Internet Explorer 6:

Click “Internet Options” in the “Tools” menu, open the “General” tab in the window that appears, and
click “Settings” under “Temporary Internet files”. Next, change the “Check for newer versions of the
stored pages” setting to “Every visit to the page”.

• Enable JavaScript and pop-up windows in your Web browser’s settings.

• Pictures are saved in JPEG format in the “OPEN-R\APP\PC\PHOTO” folder on the “Memory Stick™”

media.

Listening to sounds recorded by the AIBO robot

Click “Sound” when it appears beneath a photo taken in House Sitting mode to hear the
recorded sound.

Using a “Memory Stick” media reader/writer to view pictures

You can also remove the “Memory Stick” media from the AIBO robot and insert it into a
“Memory Stick” media reader/writer* on a PC to view pictures and listen to recorded sound
files.
Click “INDEX.HTM” in the “OPEN-R” folder on the “Memory Stick” media to display the
AIBO Photo Album screen.

* Only Sony brand “Memory Stick” media reader/writers are guaranteed to operate correctly.

Caution

Always press the pause button on the back of the AIBO robot to put it in Pause mode before removing its
“Memory Stick” media.

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Communicating with other AIBO® Entertainment Robots

The AIBO robot can make friends with other AIBO
robots by exchanging greetings and self-introductions.
When two AIBO robots become friends, they will even
have a lively conversation.
The AIBO robot can only talk to a friend when it is in
Autonomous mode.

Caution

• AIBO robots active in the following conditions can talk to each other.
AIBO model AIBO-ware

ERS-110/111 Raising AIBO (Adolescence stage or later)

Hello AIBO!

ERS-210/220 AIBO Life 2 (Adolescence stage or later)

AIBO Explorer

ERS-311/312 AIBO Life (Adolescence stage or later)

AIBO Pal
AIBO Pal Special Edition

ERS-7/7M2/7M3 AIBO MIND / MIND2 / MIND3 (Excluding puppy stage)

Communicating with the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

• Place the AIBO robots close enough together for sound to pass between them clearly.

• Set the volume on the AIBO robots higher than “0”.

1 Say “Talk to your friend” or “Talk to your buddy” while the AIBO robot is in

Autonomous mode.

The AIBO robot sits down in preparation to talk with another AIBO robot friend, and
its head light begins to flash.

2 Touch the head sensor.

When you touch the head sensor, the AIBO robot will begin talking to its friend. The
other AIBO robot will then reply. When the conversation has ended, the AIBO robot
returns to Autonomous mode.

Note

When two AIBO robots are communicating with the AIBO MIND 3 software for the ERS-7M3, touch the
head sensor of either AIBO robot to begin communication.

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Ending a conversation between two AIBO® Entertainment Robots

Touch the head sensor for 3 seconds.

90

Raising the AIBO® Entertainment Robot

There are a few points you should keep in mind while raising
the AIBO robot. Once you become acquainted with these, it
will be easy to guide the AIBO robot into developing just the
kind of personality you like. As the AIBO robot shares its life
with you, it will grow to adapt to your lifestyle.

Enjoying the AIBO® Entertainment Robot’s development

When the AIBO robot is adopted, it is already mature, and is
autonomously active, walking around and playing with its
AIBOne toy and pink ball. However, you can also switch it to
the puppy stage, which will allow you to enjoy raising the
AIBO robot from a puppy.
If you decide to go back to a mature AIBO robot, you can
switch it back. However, please note that your AIBO robot
will lose all maturity and accumulated development data when you switched it to the puppy
stage, and you will be going back to the maturity level it was at when you first adopted the
AIBO robot.

Putting the AIBO robot in the puppy stage

You can enjoy the joys of being the parent of a newborn AIBO robot by switching the AIBO
robot to the puppy stage. As a puppy, the AIBO robot will have difficulty trying to stand up
by itself, and you will enjoy raising it to a mature AIBO robot.
See page 97 for information on how to raise the AIBO robot from the puppy stage.

92

Caution

• Note that putting the AIBO robot in the puppy stage will erase everything it has learned about you from

its memory. If you decide to switch the AIBO robot back to mature stage, it will start from the maturity
level it was at when you first adopted the AIBO robot.
Even if you return the AIBO robot to puppy stage, pictures you have taken and picture data from House
Sitting mode will not be erased.
However, picture data for the registered owner’s face, favorite things, and favorite place will be erased.

• If you use maturity control to put the AIBO robot from the mature to the puppy stage, the number of

days active in that day’s diary will return to one. Previously written diary entries will remain unchanged.
For details on the diary function, see the “User Guide (AIBO Entertainment Player)” (PDF).

zHint

To cancel changes by voice guide, touch the head sensor to return the AIBO robot to Autonomous mode.

1 Touch the front and rear back sensors simultaneously for 3 seconds.

(Next, follow the voice guide.)

This is the voice guide mode, top menu.
Please select a function.

Please touch the following colors on my back sensor:
Touch blue for game and custom mode. Touch orange for set
up mode. Touch red for recording messages and clinic mode.

Within 10 seconds

2 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

Let’s proceed to the various set ups.
Touch the following colors of my back sensors:

For clock set up, touch blue. For self charging set up, touch
orange. For maturity control, touch red.

Within 10 seconds

3 Touch the rear (red) back sensor.

To make me an adult, touch blue. To reset me to a new-born,
touch orange.

Within 10 seconds

4 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

When I reboot, I will be a new born. If this is OK, touch blue.

Within 10 seconds

*

Raising the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

*

*

*

5 Touch the front (blue) back sensor.

To confirm this change, touch red.

Within 10 seconds

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode.

*

93

6 Touch the rear (red) back sensor.

When I reboot, I will be a new born. I will now turn off.

The AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot enters the Pause mode.

7 Touch the pause button on the AIBO robot’s

back to awaken it.

Next, select whether the AIBO robot should communicate
by using words (“Voice sound”) or sounds (“Basic
sound”). To make the setting, follow the voice guide
prompts.

The AIBO robot as a newborn puppy

The newborn AIBO robot cannot understand anything it sees or hears, and will be very
insecure.
At first, even touching its sensors will surprise it.
Teach it to trust you a step at a time by gently stroking its sensors.

As it starts to become accustomed to your presence, talk to it, and play with it by showing it
the AIBOne toy and pink ball. The AIBO robot will follow the movement of the AIBOne toy
and pink ball with its eyes, and will try to stand up to go after them. If the AIBO robot falls
down, give encouragement by saying, “Go for it”.

Even in its infancy, the AIBO robot will gradually be able to understand the following words.
Be sure to talk to it often.

AIBO, How cute, Go for it, Name Registration, What’s your name?, (the name you have
given AIBO), Owner registration, What’s your owner’s name?, Take a picture, Good
morning, Hello, Good night, What are you doing?, Good AIBO, Shake hands.

zHints

• The key to getting AIBO to stand up is to show it its favorite AIBOne toy and pink ball. It can easily

become depressed when it attempts to stand up and isn’t successful. Encourage it by frequently showing
it the AIBOne toy and pink ball.

• The following features cannot be enjoyed while the AIBO robot is a puppy:

- AIBO cards (the AIBO robot will not react to AIBO cards.)

- Communication between AIBO robots

- Registration of favorite things

- Dancer function

94

Once the AIBO® Entertainment Robot is able to walk, it is no longer an infant. From this
point on, the AIBO robot will behave autonomously, developing in step with your life to
become a pet that is uniquely yours.

Skipping development and giving the AIBO robot a mature personality

You can also skip raising the AIBO robot from the puppy stage, and have it immediately
assume its mature personality.
When mature, the AIBO robot is fully capable of carrying its AIBOne toy, kicking the pink
ball in various ways, and walking certain distances on its own.

Note

Even if you skip part of its development, the AIBO robot will remember everything it has learned to that
point.

zHint

To cancel changes by voice guide, touch the head sensor to return the AIBO robot to autonomous mode.

1 Touch the front and rear back sensors simultaneously for 3 seconds.

(Next, follow the voice guide.)

This is the voice guide mode, top menu.
Please select a function.

Please touch the following colors on my back sensor:
Touch blue for game and custom mode. Touch orange for set
up mode. Touch red for recording messages and clinic mode.

Within 10 seconds

*

2 Touch the middle (orange) back sensor.

Let’s proceed to the various set ups.
Touch the following colors of my back sensors:

For clock set up, touch blue. For self charging set up, touch
orange. For maturity control, touch red.

Raising the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

Within 10 seconds

* If you do not perform the operation within the prescribed number of seconds, the AIBO robot enters

the Autonomous mode.

*

95

3 Touch the rear (red) back sensor.

To make me an adult, touch blue. To reset me to a new-born,
touch orange.

Within 10 seconds

*

4 Touch the front (blue) back sensor.

I will develop into a healthy adult AIBO. If this is OK, touch blue.

Within 10 seconds

*

5 Touch the front (blue) back sensor.

To confirm this change, touch red.

Within 10 seconds

*

6 Touch the rear (red) back sensor.

When I reboot, I will be an adult. I will now turn off.

®

The AIBO

Entertainment Robot enters the Pause mode.

7 Touch the pause button on the AIBO robot’s

back to awaken it.

96

The AIBO robot wakes up as an adult.

.

Learning and acquiring skills

The AIBO® Entertainment Robot learns from you and its surroundings, becoming capable of
many different activities. If the AIBO robot paces back and forth, show it its AIBOne toy or pink
ball. It will chase after the AIBOne toy or pink ball, becoming capable of walking longer distances.

By praising the AIBO robot, you give it encouragement. If you
praise it when it kicks the pink ball well, it practices hard to
please you, becoming quite skilled in playing with the pink ball.

Raising the AIBO

You can judge the degree of the AIBO robot’s development from how it carries the AIBOne
toy, the number of different ways in which it kicks the
walk around. When it shows tricks that are surprising, and walks

pink

ball, and the distance it is able to

longer distances

, you will

know that the AIBO robot has matured.

To check the degree of the AIBO robot’s development, try asking it, “What’s your AIBOne
skill level?”, “What’s your pink ball skill level?” or “What’s your walking skill level?”.

The AIBO robot will tell you how it’s doing by indicating its progress with its face lights
(illuminated face). Once it has mastered these skills... your AIBO robot is a proud grown-up!

The more white face lights appear, the higher the AIBO robot’s skill level.

The face lights (illuminated
face) can show a variety of
expressions. When the AIBO
robot achieves a higher skill
level, it will show you through
subtle different expressions.

The AIBO robot will remember the locations where things such as the AIBOne toy, pink ball,
and the Energy Station are located. Try asking the AIBO robot “Where is your AIBOne?”,
“Where is your ball?”, “Where is your station?”. The AIBO robot will show you by facing
in the direction of the item. However, the AIBO robot can also be a bit forgetful. After a
certain time has elapsed or if a new location was remembered, it may no longer recall a
previously memorized location.

®

Entertainment Robot

97

About the AIBO® Entertainment Robot’s feelings and personality development

As the AIBO robot interacts with you, it expresses its feelings through spoken words and face
lights.

For example, the face lights shine green when it is happy, blue
when it is sad, and red when it is angry. Using the Voice sound,
the AIBO robot can also express some of its emotions in
words. If you do not understand some complex nuances by the
face lights alone, you should enable the Voice sound and listen
to what the AIBO robot has to say. The AIBO robot’s
personality is formed through the accumulation of such
interactions.
For example, it may develop into an independent-minded
AIBO robot that searches for the Energy Station on its own
when it needs to self-charge, or a spoiled AIBO robot that calls
for your help in finding the Energy Station. When it goes to its
favorite place, the AIBO robot may attract your attention to
show the place to you, or it may simply relax and take it easy on its own.

The personality that the AIBO robot has formed can also change through learning at later
stages.

In this way, the personality and action patterns of the AIBO robot will always keep evolving
and changing.

zHint

For information on how to enable the voice sound, see page 66.

98

The AIBO® Entertainment Robot remembers

Besides the things it learns permanently, the AIBO robot also has a short-term memory. It
uses that memory to remember where items such as the AIBOne toy, pink ball, favorite place,
as well as the Energy Station are located.

When the AIBO robot finds the AIBOne toy, pink ball, or favorite place, it remembers its
location. When the AIBO robot has memorized such locations, you can ask it “Where is your

AIBOne?”, “Where is your ball?”, “Where is your station?”, or “Where is your favorite
place?”. It will then show you by facing in the respective direction. If you say “Find the
AIBOne”, “Find the ball”, or “Find the station”, the AIBO robot will walk in the direction

of the item.

?

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i

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Raising the AIBO

®

Entertainment Robot

This capability allows you to see some new movement and action patterns when living with
the AIBO robot.
For example, while playing with the AIBOne toy, if the AIBO robot comes near the location
where it remembers the pink ball, it may start to play with both the AIBOne toy and the pink
ball. When it remembers its favorite place or the Energy Station, it may take the AIBOne toy
and pink ball there to play.

When the AIBO robot is thinking of an item or place it remembers, the corresponding face
light pattern will be seen faintly. This lets you check what the AIBO robot currently
remembers.

By using the map display of the AIBO Entertainment Player, you can check the position of
remembered items on-screen. For details, see the “User Guide (AIBO Entertainment Player)”
(PDF).

99

However, the AIBO® Entertainment Robot can also be a bit forgetful. After a certain time has
elapsed, it may no longer remember where items are. The AIBO robot can only remember
one location for each item. If it has remembered the location of the pink ball, for example,
and you then move the pink ball and again show it to the AIBO robot, it will only remember
the new location.

zHints

• The AIBO robot may occasionally mistake other objects for the AIBOne toy or pink ball when

remembering locations.

• The AIBO robot may also forget a location when it is in the pick-up or jam conditions, falls on its side or

back, or is placed on the Energy Station.

100