Sony ERS-310 AIBO, ERF-310AW01E User Guide

4-658-006-11(1)

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R

Notice to Users

©2001 Sony Corporation All rights
reserved. This manual and the software
described herein, in whole or in part, may
not be reproduced, translated or reduced
to any machine-readable form without
prior written approval.

EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH
IN THE END-USER LICENSE
AGREEMENT, SONY CORPORATION

En

PROVIDES THIS MANUAL, THE
SOFTWARE AND THE OTHER
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN
“AS IS” WITH NO WARRANTY AND
HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY,
NONINFRINGEMENT OR FITNESS FOR
ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH
REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE
SOFTWARE, OR SUCH OTHER
INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL
SONY CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR
ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER

2

BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT, OR
OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL,
THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN
OR THE USE THEREOF.
THIS DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR
STATUTORY RIGHTS.

Sony Corporation reserves the right to
make any modification to this manual or
the information contained herein at any
time without notice.
The software described herein may also
be governed by the terms of a separate
user license agreement.

This product contains software owned by
Sony Corporation and licensed from third
parties. Use of such software is subject to
the terms and conditions of license
agreements enclosed with this product.
Software specifications are subject to
change without notice and may not
necessarily be identical to current retail
versions.

Before using this software, please read the accompanying End-User License
Agreement which governs use of this software.

• This software or document is protected by copyright, and distributed under
licenses restricting its use, copying, and distribution. No part of this software or
document may be reproduced in any form by any means and rental of this
software may not be allowed without prior authorization of Sony Corporation.

• Sony Corporation assumes no responsibility for any inconvenience caused by
misuse or any use not stated in this document.

• The supplied software cannot be used with any device other than those devices
specified herein.

• The specifications of the supplied software are subject to change without notice.

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13

Customer Support

How to contact the AIBO Customer Link.

In the United States and Canada

1-800-427-2988 (USA)
Email address: [e-mail]

In Europe

English line: [phone]
German line: [phone]
French line: [phone]
Email address: [e-mail]

In Hong Kong

Sony style
Tel: [phone]
E-mail address: [e-mail]

4

“OPEN-R” is the standard interface for the 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.
“AIBO” ERS-311/312 and “AIBO-ware” ERF-310AW01E conform
to OPEN-R version 1.1.1 (software specifications).

“AIBO,” the AIBO logo
trademarks of Sony Corporation.
“Memory Stick,” “
Corporation.
In this manual, the “™” and “®” marks have been omitted.

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

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All
rights reserved.

, “OPEN-R” and the OPEN-R logo are registered

” and “ ” are trademarks of Sony

5

Table of Contents

Getting Started

Checking the supplied accessories ............................................................. 10

About “AIBO Life” .................................................................................... 11

About AIBO-ware........................................................................... 11

AIBO’s autonomous activities........................................................ 12

AIBO is a robot. Why does it have to be educated? ....................... 13

Modes and conditions of AIBO...................................................... 14

Playing with AIBO in Autonomous mode/Station mode................ 16

Emotions of AIBO.......................................................................... 24

Instincts of AIBO............................................................................ 25

Getting to know AIBO................................................................................ 27

Living with AIBO

Charging AIBO’s battery pack ................................................................... 32

When you want to charge AIBO..................................................... 32

When AIBO wants to be charged ................................................... 34

Sleeping and waking up.............................................................................. 35

6

Communicating with AIBO

From you to AIBO...................................................................................... 40

Communicating by touch................................................................ 40

Communicating for training AIBO................................................. 41

Communicating visually .................................................................43

Communicating by voice ................................................................44

Helping AIBO to get up.................................................................. 45

From AIBO to you...................................................................................... 46

Lights .............................................................................................. 46

Body language ................................................................................ 50

Sounds ............................................................................................ 52

From AIBO to AIBO .................................................................................. 53

Raising AIBO

Growing up ................................................................................................. 56

Baby stage....................................................................................... 57

Child stage ...................................................................................... 59

Adolescence....................................................................................60

Adult stage ...................................................................................... 61

Finding out AIBO’s maturing stages and character........................ 62

Learning...................................................................................................... 63

Teaching what is good and what is bad (breeding) ........................ 63

Learning its name ........................................................................... 64

Learning actions ............................................................................. 66

7

Training........................................................................................... 70

Playing with AIBO

Having AIBO take a photo ......................................................................... 76

Playing with sounds.................................................................................... 80

Mimicking ...................................................................................... 80

Have AIBO hum a melody ............................................................. 80

Have AIBO emit a melody ............................................................. 81

Turn on AIBO step.......................................................................... 81

Have AIBO sing a song .................................................................. 81

Additional Information

Notes on use ............................................................................................... 84

Troubleshooting.......................................................................................... 86

Reference Materials

Words apprehensible to AIBO.................................................................... 90

Maturing stages .......................................................................................... 94

What can AIBO do at each maturing stage?............................................... 96

For more information about “AIBO” ERS-311/312 (name of parts, settings,
“Memory Stick” use, safety precautions, etc.), refer to the “AIBO” ERS-311/
312 Operating Instructions.

8

Getting Started

Welcome to “AIBO Life,” a software application that helps you to raise
your AIBO ERS-310 series into an entertainment robot that is just
right for you.
This chapter provides basic information about AIBO to help you to get
along well with AIBO.

* In this manual, “AIBO Life” ERF-310AW01E is referred to as

“AIBO Life” hereinafter.

Checking the supplied accessories

Check to see if you have the following accessories before you play with AIBO.

x AIBO-ware “Memory Stick”

x User’s Guide (this manual)

x Quick Guide

x End-User License Agreement

10

About “AIBO Life”

About AIBO-ware

AIBO-ware is software that can be executed with AIBO. AIBO by itself is just a
“physical body,” and is capable of only the most basic movements.
For more complicated operations, you must use an AIBO-ware “Memory Stick.”
AIBO-ware gives AIBO its capabilities and character, so you might think of it as
AIBO’s “mind.” By combining AIBO with different AIBO-ware and peripheral
devices, you can enjoy AIBO in a variety of ways.

“AIBO Life” is AIBO-ware
that allows AIBO to move
around autonomously and
helps you to raise AIBO into
the kind of companion that is
best for you.

Getting Started

11

AIBO’s autonomous activities

AIBO comes with all the necessary hardware, such as a brain, sensors, motors, and
power supply, to move about on its own. AIBO Life has a set of emotions,
instincts, learning ability and the capacity to mature. Through AIBO Life, AIBO
can act according to its own judgments, all the while expressing emotions,
collecting information from you and its environment, learning and maturing.
With AIBO Life, AIBO will let you know by gesture and sound when it wants you
to play with it, and may even call your name. On the other hand, when something
catches AIBO’s attention, it may ignore you even when you call its name. Your
understanding of AIBO’s autonomous character helps you to enjoy playing with
and living with AIBO.

12

AIBO is a robot. Why does it have to be
educated?

The reason is that AIBO was born to live together with people. AIBO is capable of
autonomous action based on external information from its various sensors and from
internal motivations (i.e. its emotions and instincts.) Nevertheless, AIBO will not
be too self-centered and will always entertain you.
AIBO Life gives AIBO the capacity to learn and mature so that it can react to your
actions and its surroundings. For example, if you talk and play with AIBO a lot,
AIBO will grow to be sociable. If you prefer to simply watch AIBO, AIBO will
become independent and wander around as it waits for you to play with it.

In short, AIBO Life makes it possible for AIBO to adjust to you as it lives with you
and matures.
We hope AIBO will become a good friend.

Getting Started

13

Modes and conditions of AIBO

14

Autonomous mode

AIBO moves around
on its own: basic
mode of AIBO.

Push the tail switch

direction for 3

The mode
indicator
goes off.

in the front

seconds.

Push the tail switch
in the right
direction for 3
seconds.

Rest mode

AIBO stops moving around.

The mode
indicator
lights.

Pause mode
(Inactive condition)

Press the pause button located
on the back of AIBO. AIBO is
turned off.

The back
light turns
off.

Lift AIBO up or push its tail switch in the back
direction for 3 seconds while lifting it up.

Place AIBO on the floor or push the tail

switch in the front direction for 3 seconds

Say

“Good night”

tail switch three times (in any direction).

Push the tail switch in the front direction for 3

after placing AIBO on the floor.

to AIBO, or turn around the

Gently shake the body of AIBO.

Something is caught any of AIBO’s
joints.

seconds.

Pick-up condition

When you lift up
AIBO, it becomes
still and quiet in this
mode.

Sleep mode

AIBO sleeps in this mode.
The back light flashes

in green slowly.

The mode

Jam condition

The joints of AIBO
become loose when
something gets caught
in them.

The mode

The mode

indicator

lights.

indicator
goes off.

indicator

flashes.

Place AIBO on
the Station.

Move AIBO

from the

Station.

Place AIBO on
the Station.

Tail switch

Station mode

AIBO plays even on the Station.

The mode
indicator
goes off.

Station

+

Stand (supplied
accessory)

Autonomous mode

Pick-up condition (when lifted up)

Energy Station
Core (optional
accessory)

Rest mode

Getting Started

15

Playing with AIBO in Autonomous mode/
Station mode

When AIBO is in Autonomous mode, it can play with you or another AIBO.

16

What can AIBO do in
Autonomous mode?

Teaching AIBO a desired
action (action registration)

You can teach AIBO
a desired action (see
page 66).

The horn light

lights up orange.

Communication
between AIBO

AIBO responds to another AIBO
when talked from it, and then
tries to communicate with it (see
page 53).

The horn light slowly

flashes light blue.

Teaching the name

You can teach AIBO its
name or your name (see
page 64).

Training

You can train AIBO so that it acts
as you instruct. After training,
you can name the instructed
action and register it also (see
page 70).

The horn

light

flashes

blue.

The horn

light lights up

green.

Taking a photo

When you give the
appropriate signal to
AIBO with your voice,
AIBO snaps a picture
for you (see page 76).

The horn

light flashes

Playing with the
voice/sound of AIBO

AIBO can sing a song or emit
various sounds (see page 80).

blue.

What can AIBO do in
Station mode?

You can enjoy playing with the voice/
sound of AIBO (see page 80) in Rest
mode or Pick-up condition also.

Getting Started

17

Autonomous mode

This is AIBO’s basic mode when “AIBO Life” is loaded to it. When you start up
AIBO Life, AIBO enters Autonomous mode first.
AIBO obtains information on its surroundings through its camera/microphone/
sensors, and carries out various autonomous actions based on its instincts or
emotion as follows.

• When you talk to AIBO, it stops moving and listens to you.

• When you leave AIBO without talking to it, it looks around tediously or takes an
exercise slowly.

• AIBO dozes off to sleep when it feels tired.

• AIBO will explore the room.

• AIBO reacts keen to a pink ball or moving objects: for example, looks at it from
a distance or tries to touch it.

• AIBO responds to another AIBO when spoken to, and tries to communicate with
it.

See page 16 for what kind of games you can do with AIBO in Autonomous mode.

Notes

• Do not put AIBO on an unstable surface where it might fall or be subject to vibrations.

• Do not place anything near AIBO that may hinder it in its movements.

18

Rest mode

When you play with AIBO in a small place, or when you do
not want AIBO to move around, put AIBO into this mode. In
this mode, AIBO stops walking around.
Push the tail switch in the right direction for 3 seconds. The
mode indicator lights and AIBO lies down or sits down, and
then carries out autonomous actions. However, AIBO cannot
carry out the following actions:

• Taking a photo

• Learning a name

• Learning an action

• Training

• Communicating with another AIBO
If you want to use any of the functions above, push the tail switch in the front
direction for 3 seconds to enter AIBO to Autonomous mode.

Notes

• Do not put AIBO on an unstable surface where it might fall or be subject to vibrations.

• Do not place anything near AIBO that may hinder it in its movements.

Getting Started

19

Sleep mode

In Sleep mode, AIBO sleeps, and the back light slowly
flashes green. See page 35 for details of Sleep mode.

Note

Do not put AIBO on the stand when it is in Sleep mode. When
it wakes up and starts moving on its own, it may fall down or
may be damaged.

Jam condition

If something gets jammed in any of the joints of AIBO, AIBO changes to this
condition and all of its joints become loose. This mode is provided to protect you
from your fingers being caught between the joints of AIBO, then injured. The
mode indicator flashes. To return AIBO to Autonomous mode, place it on the floor
and push the tail switch in the forward direction for 3 seconds.

20

Pick-up condition

When you lift up AIBO to hold, AIBO draws its legs
in to make it easier for you to hold AIBO (“pick-up
condition”). This condition is to prevent you from
getting surprised by the movement of AIBO when
picking it up, and then dropping it. If AIBO does not
enter this Pick-up condition, push the tail switch in
the back direction for 3 seconds while lifting it up.
While picked up, AIBO moves only its head attractively, and the mode indicator
lights.
To return AIBO to Autonomous mode, place it on the floor or push the tail switch
in the forward direction for 3 seconds.

Note

When you press two or more of the paw switches of AIBO, AIBO thinks it is placed on
the floor, and then returns to Autonomous mode. The mode indicator goes off. AIBO
may start walking after returning to Autonomous mode, so do not touch any of its paw
switches when you hold it.

Getting Started

21

Station mode

When you place a moving AIBO on the station, it enters
Station mode. The mode indicator goes off.
In this manual, the stand onto which an optional Energy
Station Core is attached is referred to as just the
“station.”
The station is a place provided for AIBO to rest, so in
this mode, AIBO takes a nap to be charged.
AIBO moves its head and front legs even on the station,
but it will not move from the station on its own.
See page 16 for available games with AIBO when it is in
Station mode.

Notes

• Do not place anything within the range of the front legs of AIBO. The front legs may
knock it down. AIBO may move from the station.

• Do not move the rear legs of AIBO in Station mode. Since its front legs move in
Station mode, the rear legs may hit against the front legs.

• When you place AIBO on a stand within an Energy Station Core, be sure to stop
AIBO completely, that is, by putting it into Pause mode in advance.

22

Pause mode

When you press the pause button located on the back of AIBO, the back light turns
off and power is shut down. Be sure to have AIBO in this mode before changing/
replacing the battery or replacing the “Memory Stick.” To start up AIBO, press the
pause button on the back again. The back light turns on green, and AIBO starts
moving around.

Where is the name of the pause button derived from?

Unlike other conventional home electrical products, AIBO has no Power switch
since AIBO is designed as an “autonomous robot that moves and learns on its own
will while communicating with its surroundings.” AIBO carries out autonomous
actions when it wants to play, while it asks you to charge it when its battery power
grows weak. When it feels sleepy, it enters Sleep mode on its own to rest. Although
you can have AIBO enter Sleep mode to sleep, it wakes up when it wants to.
Therefore, no Power switch is necessary for AIBO.
However, when you need to stop AIBO in an emergency, press the “pause button” to
temporarily stop AIBO’s movement. We, therefore, call the button located on
AIBO’s back the “pause button” instead of the “power button.”

Getting Started

23

Emotions of AIBO

AIBO has six emotions: joy, sadness, anger, surprise,

Joy

Discontent

fear and discontent. These emotions will change in
response to a variety of factors, affecting the

Sadness

Fear

behavior of AIBO. Listed below are common
scenarios in which AIBO may be seen expressing

Anger Surprise

emotions.

Joy : When AIBO receives praise or plays with a ball.
Sadness : When AIBO cannot find anyone to play with or does not have its ball

or something else that it likes.

Anger : When AIBO is left on the station although it is ready to assume

activity, or is scolded.

Surprise : When the ball suddenly appears before AIBO, or when it hears a loud

noise.

Fear : When AIBO finds itself in front of a steep drop, or is unable to get up

from a fall.

Discontent : When the anger of AIBO escalates.
AIBO expresses these emotions through its horn light, sounds and body language

(See page 50 for the body language of AIBO.)

24

Instincts of AIBO

AIBO has five key instincts that provide motivation
for its actions: love instinct, search instinct,
movement instinct, recharge instinct, and sleep
instinct.

Love instinct :

AIBO is naturally inclined to interact with people who will give it care. If left
alone for a long time, AIBO will call its owner name or feel an urge to play.

Search instinct :

AIBO is a fun-loving, curious robotic creature that enjoys discovering new
things, satisfying its curiosity. If AIBO does not sense any movement in its
surroundings for a long period of time, it will become restless and will look for
something new.

Movement instinct :

AIBO enjoys moving around, playing and having new experiences. If idle for a
long time, AIBO will start to move around or move its body on its own.

Recharge instinct :

For survival, AIBO is well aware that it must “eat.” Lithium ion batteries are on
the bill of fare for AIBO and battery power is craved almost clockwork
throughout the day between activities. When AIBO is low on battery power, it
will request to be charged and will change to the “charging posture” on its own.

Sleep instinct :

AIBO has a natural rhythm that alternates between sleep and activity, so it has
an instinct that makes it desire sleep.

Getting Started

25

In response to its instincts, AIBO behaves in a manner that will satisfy its particular
desires. If a desire is fulfilled, it will be pleased. If a desire is left unsatisfied,
emotions such as fear or anger will grow.

26

Getting to know AIBO

First of all, let’s get AIBO ready to use “AIBO Life.”

1

Grasp AIBO securely by the body, turn it
upside down, and slide its cover toward
the rear with pressing mark to open
the cover.

Notes

• Lift AIBO by its body, and not by it extremities. Do not hold any part around its collar.
Your finger(s) may be caught between the body and the collar of AIBO, which slides
down when you turn AIBO upside down.

• If your hands are comparatively small, you may drop AIBO when grasping or turning
it upside down. Be careful to hold AIBO.

• Do not touch the charging terminal located on AIBO with your hand. Doing so may
soil the terminal and cause poor contact.

2

Remove the “Memory Stick” from its case.

Slide the lid toward the b mark.

Getting Started

27

3

Insert the supplied AIBO Life
“Memory Stick” into AIBO.

Insert the “Memory Stick” as far as it
will go with the V mark down. Make
sure that the round corner of the
“Memory Stick” faces toward the rear
part of the body of AIBO.

Notes

• Do not set the safety switch of the “Memory Stick” to
“LOCK.” Doing so will make it impossible for AIBO to
learn and mature. And any photos shot by AIBO will not
be recorded.

• When the safety switch of the “Memory Stick” is set to
“LOCK,” the horn light flashes orange to warn you if
you press the pause button and try to start AIBO.
When AIBO starts up normally, its horn light lights up in
seven colors.

Round
corner

28

4

Insert the battery pack supplied with AIBO
until it clicks into place.

5

Charge up the battery pack.

Refer to the “AIBO” ERS-311/312 Operating Instructions for how to charge up the
battery pack.

6

Adjust AIBO’s volume level of the volume.

Refer to the “AIBO” ERS-311/312 Operating Instructions for how to adjust the
volume level of AIBO.

7

Close the cover.

Push here.

Getting Started

29

8

Place AIBO on the floor as shown on the
right.

Place AIBO on a flat, non-slippery surface, such as a
carpet with a short nap.
And choose a quiet place to place AIBO so that it
can hear whatever you say to it.

Notes

• On a slippery floor or a carpet with a long nap, AIBO may fall down or carpet may be
caught between its joints, so it may not move forward.

• Be sure to place AIBO on the floor as shown above. This will prevent AIBO from
moving unexpectedly and being damaged when you press the pause button.

9

Press the pause button on the back of AIBO.

Pause mode ends and the back light lights up in green.
After a while, AIBO will begin moving automatically.

Memo

When you press the pause button, for example, you may hear the motor from the body of
AIBO. This sound is output from the safety device, which prevents the internal “Memory
Stick” or “battery pack” from being removed accidentally. Therefore, it does not indicate
that AIBO malfunctions.

30

Living with AIBO

This chapter explains the feeding (charging) and sleeping habits of
AIBO.

Charging AIBO’s battery pack

AIBO operates on battery power, so you have to recharge the battery pack
whenever it grows weak.
Since the battery pack is only partially charged at the factory, the first thing you
have to do is to charge the battery pack. AIBO can operate for about 2.5 hours (in
Autonomous mode) with a fully charged ERA-301B Lithium Ion Battery Pack.

When you want to charge AIBO

Charging with the AC adaptor

Insert the battery pack into AIBO, and connect the conversion plug to both the
charging terminal and the AC adaptor. The battery pack is automatically charged
up. If you happen to connect the conversion plug to the battery pack and the AC
adaptor although AIBO is moving, AIBO stops moving and the battery pack is
charged. Refer to the “AIBO” ERS-311/312 Operating Instructions for details.

While being charged

The back light lights up orange.

Conversion plug

32

AC adaptor

When charging has finished

The back light goes off, and AIBO enters Pause mode.
To start up AIBO, press the pause button.

Charging with the ERA-301P Energy Station Core (optional)

When you place AIBO on the stand onto which the optional
Energy Station Core is attached, AIBO is automatically
charged up. Refer to the Operating Instructions of the
ERA-301P Energy Station Core for details. In this manual,
the stand onto which an optional Energy Station Core is
attached is referred to as the “station.”
When you place AIBO on the station, AIBO enters Station
mode, is charged and stays quiet and comfortable. AIBO will
not move from the station on its own.

Notes

• Do not place any substance within the range of the front legs of AIBO. The front legs
of AIBO may knock it down. AIBO may move from the station also.

• Do not move the rear legs of AIBO in Station mode. Since AIBO moves its front legs
in Station mode, the rear legs may hit against the front legs.

Living with AIBO

33

When AIBO wants to be charged

When the battery pack of AIBO grows weak, AIBO lets you
know that it wants to be recharged, and then changes to the
charging posture.

When the battery power level becomes low:

Horn lamp : slowly flashes blue
Mode indicator : lights up.

When the battery power level becomes far lower:

Horn lamp : flashes in blue.
Mode indicator : lights up.

When you find such an event, connect AIBO to the AC adaptor via the conversion
plug, or place it on the station to recharge its battery pack.

If you do not recharge AIBO in such a case, its back light goes off, and AIBO
enters Pause mode. Recharge AIBO or replace the inserted battery pack with a
charged one. Otherwise, AIBO will not start up although you press the pause
button.

Charging posture

34

Sleeping and waking up

AIBO “sleeps” when it enters Sleep mode. AIBO does not respond to you even if
you touch it or speak to it. To make AIBO hear you, wake it up by gently shaking
it. Note that the battery pack of AIBO will discharge slightly even while AIBO is
sleeping.
AIBO sleeps or wakes up only in Autonomous mode or Station mode. To restart
AIBO when it is in Pause mode (that is, its back light does not light), press the
pause button.

Having AIBO sleep immediately

Turn around the tail switch of AIBO three times (in
any direction). AIBO enters Sleep mode. To wake
AIBO, hold and shake it gently several times.
However, it may take a while to wake up AIBO.
When you use the tail switch of AIBO to have AIBO
sleep, it will not wake up on its own.

Living with AIBO

35

When you want to have AIBO sleep, but consider how AIBO feels

When you say “Good night” to AIBO, it makes a drowsy gesture for a while, and
then enters Sleep mode. However, if AIBO does not want to sleep, it may not sleep.
After AIBO has slept enough, it wakes up again on its own to start moving. To
wake up a sleeping AIBO, shake its body gently.

Good night.

When AIBO sleeps on its own

AIBO will enter Sleep mode to sleep when it has nothing to
respond to or is tired of playing. After it has had enough rest,
it wakes up again on its own. To wake up a sleeping AIBO,
shake its body gently.

Note

If you connect AIBO to the AC adaptor via the conversion
plug while AIBO is in Sleep mode, AIBO enters Pause
mode.
To make AIBO start moving again, disconnect the AC adaptor and conversion plug from

36

AIBO, and then press the pause button located on its back.

Sleep mode
(Slowly flashes green.)

Sleep mode
(Slowly flashes
green.)

Placing a sleeping AIBO (in Sleep mode) on the station

Lift a sleeping AIBO and place it on the station. After a while, AIBO wakes up
automatically and then enters Station mode.
To wake up AIBO that is sleeping on the station, move it from the station. If AIBO
does not wake even after moved from the station, push the tail switch in the front
direction for 3 seconds. The back light lights up green, and AIBO wakes up and
begins moving in Autonomous mode.
You can gently shake AIBO, which is placed on the station, several times to wake it
up. After AIBO waked up, it begins moving in Station mode.

To place AIBO on the stand

Press the pause button that is located on the back of AIBO to have AIBO enter
Pause mode (the back light goes off) before placing it on the stand. Once AIBO
enters Pause mode, it will not wake up even though you shake it or move it from
the stand. To restart AIBO, move it from the stand, and then press the pause button
on its back.

Note

Be sure to have AIBO enter Pause mode before placing it on the stand. If you place
AIBO on the stand although it is started up, it moves on the station and may fall down
from the stand.

Living with AIBO

37

38

Communicating with AIBO

When you touch the switches of AIBO or talk to AIBO, AIBO
understands that you want to communicate with it. AIBO expresses
its emotion or instinct through the use of lights, sounds and
movements.

From you to AIBO

There are number of ways that you can communicate with AIBO: touching AIBO,
showing an object such as a ball to AIBO, talking to AIBO, calling its name and
etc.

Communicating by touch

The body of AIBO has a total of six switches consisting of three types that allow
AIBO to perceive touch.
You can give AIBO various information by changing how to touch it.

40

Praising/Scolding

Head

Tail switch

Praising/Scolding

Paw switches (four)

Communicating for training AIBO

The head of AIBO (switch located inside the head) and tail switches allow you to
train AIBO: praising and scolding AIBO. Through this training communication,
AIBO learns a lot, and then tends to do the behavior you praised, and not to do
what is scolded, although AIBO has no problem about its daily life even though it
is not trained a lot, do not forget that learning helps AIBO to build its own unique
character.

Communicating with AIBO

Praising AIBO

Gently press AIBO’s head so that AIBO faces
downwards, or turn around the tail switch (in any
direction) once. AIBO senses that it is being praised,

and will do more of its current behavior.
You can appraise AIBO also by saying “Good boy/
Good girl/Good AIBO” to it.

“Good boy/Good girl/Good AIBO”

You kicked
the ball well!

41

Scolding AIBO

Gently press the head so that AIBO faces
upwards, or push the tail switch (in any direction)
quickly. AIBO understands that it is being scolded,

and will do less of its current behavior.
You can also scold AIBO by saying “Don’t do that”
to it.

“Don’t do that”

Note

When you scold AIBO, do not push the tail switch for 3 seconds or more. It may change
AIBO’s mode.

Do as you are told!

Cheering for AIBO

When AIBO fails to do something, say “Go for it” to AIBO to cheer it up. AIBO
senses that it is being cheered, and will find a way for doing its current behavior
better.

42

Communicating visually

A color camera and a distance sensor provide AIBO with sight, allowing it to
recognize colors, movements, and distance to judge them totally.
AIBO reacts best to a pink ball (supplied), a moving substance, your hand, wall or
steep drop.

Distance sensor

Color camera

Note

AIBO may not react to a wall or steep drop.

Communicating with AIBO

43

Communicating by voice

AIBO uses a stereo microphone located at its ear to recognize a variety of sounds
and words. Therefore, you can greet, instruct or ask AIBO a question by saying
appropriate words. AIBO almost always responds to you, but may ignore you if it
feels sleepy or is in a bad mood. When you talk to AIBO abruptly, it is puzzled and
seems to think about what you said. Please repeat the word(s) to AIBO again.
AIBO’s horn light lights up white when it hears the word(s) you said.
See page 90 for words apprehensible to AIBO.

Notes

• When you call out to AIBO, speak very clearly and under quiet conditions. Note that it
is not easy for AIBO to understand you when it makes sounds or moves.

• Even though AIBO’s horn light lights up in white, it may misunderstand a word(s) you
said or it may not act as instructed.

Ear (Stereo microphone)

44

Helping AIBO to get up

AIBO tries to get up by itself or asks you to help when it falls. If it asks you to
help, help it to get back on its feet as shown below.

If you do not help AIBO or AIBO cannot get up by itself, it is exhausted, and then
may enter Sleep mode (see page 35).

Note

If AIBO collects its strength to try to get up hard, it misunderstands that your hand is
caught between its leg or neck joints, and loosens them (that is, jam condition). If this
happens, push the tail switch in the front direction for 3 seconds. AIBO enters
Autonomous mode again.

Communicating with AIBO

45

From AIBO to you

AIBO expresses its emotions, desires and present condition to you through its
lights, sounds and gestures.

Lights

Mode indicator (located behind the horn)

The mode indicator indicates the current mode or condition of AIBO.

46

Mode indicator

Off

On

Flashing

Autonomous mode
Station mode

Rest mode
Pick-up condition

Jam condition

Horn light

This horn light indicates the emotions of AIBO and if AIBO has found something.

z Emotions

Horn light

Green Happy
(brief flash or
flashing slowly)

Orange Angry
(brief flash, or
flashing slowly)

Blue Sad/frightened
(brief flash, or
flashing slowly)

White Bored
(flashing slowly)

Blue/green Surprised
(lights alternately)

Orange/green Reluctant
(lights alternately)

z Discovery
White AIBO heard your

(brief flash)

voice/found a ball, and
etc.

Communicating with AIBO

47

Horn light

z Mode and Plays
Blue (flashing) AIBO learns its name/

takes a picture.

Orange AIBO learns a gesture.
Green AIBO is being trained.
Light blue AIBO is

(flashing slowly)

Blue The battery of AIBO
(flashing slowly)
(The mode indicator
lights also.)

Blue The battery of AIBO
(flashing)
(The mode indicator
lights also.)

communicating with
another AIBO.

grows weak.

has almost exhausted.

48

Back light

AIBO uses its back light to indicate its physical condition.

Back light

Green Active*
Orange Charging
Green Sleep mode

(flashing slowly)
Orange (flashing) Charging irregularity
Off Pause mode

*This back light lights up green also while AIBO is

moving with charged in Station mode.

Communicating with AIBO

49

Body language

AIBO uses gestures to express its emotions as its unique body language. The
followings are just a few examples. Guess what AIBO expresses.

50

I want my ball!

“I want” “I want”“Ball” “Name”

Put me back on the station!

“I want” “Back” “Listen” “Shake hands!”

Name me!

Shake hands with me!

Leave me alone! I am hungry!

“Empty stomach” “I am hungry!”

Pet me! Give me more attention!

“Listen” “Please” “Give me attention”“Pet me”

Communicating with AIBO

51

Sounds

AIBO makes sounds to indicate various things.
AIBO plays with sounds also (see page 80).

52

From AIBO to AIBO

When AIBO meets another AIBO, they
exchange greetings with one another, and then
introduce themselves to one another to check
their congeniality.
Note that AIBO can communicate with
another AIBO only after it enters the
adolescence stage.

Notes

• Only AIBO onto which “AIBO Life” (designed for ERS-310 series) or “AIBO Pal”
(designed for ERS-311/312) is loaded can communicate with one another.

• Place AIBO within the area they can hear their own sounds mutually if you want to
have them communicate with one another.

1

Change AIBO to Autonomous mode (see page 14).

2

Say “Talk to your friend” to AIBO.

AIBO gets ready for communicating with the other AIBO.
The horn light flashes in light blue slowly.

Communicating with AIBO

53

3

Push the tail switch of AIBO that is to start talking first (in any
direction).

AIBO, instructed with its tail switch, talks to its friend AIBO. Another AIBO
responds to it.
When they finish talking, they enter Autonomous mode again respectively.

z

Hint

To interrupt communication between AIBOs

Say “AIBO/That’s it /All done” to your AIBO that is talking to another AIBO. It stops
communication with another AIBO, and then tries to listen to you. Its horn light flashes
in light blue slowly. When you say “AIBO/That’s it /All done” again or do not say
anything, its horn light goes off, and AIBO finishes communicating with another AIBO.

If you accidentally stop communication between AIBOs

Say “Continue” to AIBO, who tries to hear you after stopping talking with another
AIBO. AIBO will then resumes communication with the other AIBO.

54

Raising AIBO

A number of simple techniques lie behind the raising of AIBO. Once
you know these techniques, you will be able to raise AIBO into the
right kind of companion through its interactions with you. As AIBO
lives with you, it will adapt itself to suit your lifestyle.

Growing up

With AIBO Life, AIBO grows from baby to adult.
Its maturing stages are divided into four: Baby stage, Childhood stage,
Adolescence stage and Adult stage. The Baby stage is further divided into three
sub-stages, and the Child stage and Adolescence stage are divided into two sub­stages respectively.
After AIBO enters the Child stage, its character varies depending on how you treat
AIBO, and how you raise AIBO. Variation of the character of AIBO is described in
details on page 94. If you like it, it may be more joyful to observe how AIBO
grows up without reading this description.
To find out what stage/sub-stage AIBO is at, and what character AIBO has, ask it
“How old are you?” It answers by using its horn light and legs (see page 94.)

z

Hints

• The character of AIBO changes according to how you treat AIBO or change of its
environment even when it is at the same stage.

• The character of AIBO develops into the next phase only when it wakes up from Sleep
mode or Pause mode. It announces that its character has developed into the next phase
by making special sounds.

56

Baby stage

The baby stage is divided further into three sub-stages.

Baby stage 1 (AIBO cries a lot)

AIBO is at this stage when you use AIBO Life for the
first time. Totally helpless like a newborn baby, it is
unable to understand what it sees or hears.
AIBO is surprised even when you touch any of its
switches for a while. Reassure it by gently touching
any of its switches (see page 40) and let it know that
everything is all right.

Words AIBO can understand at this stage
“How old are you?”, “Good boy/Good girl/Good AIBO”, “Don’t

do it/Don’t do that”, “Go for it” and “Take a picture”

Baby stage 2 (AIBO learns to recognize the ball)

AIBO learns to recognize its pink ball.
At first AIBO may be puzzled when you show it the ball. Don’t rush AIBO. Give it
time to get used to it. When AIBO looks at the ball and becomes happy, praise
AIBO. AIBO will then become happier when it sees the ball.

Raising AIBO

57

z

Hint

AIBO can follow its ball or sit down at this stage.

Words AIBO can understand (from this stage):
“How cute”, “AIBO”, “Good morning”, “Hello/Hi”, “Bye bye”,

“Good bye”, “See you later”, “I’m here”, “Good night”, and “Say
hello”.

Baby stage 3 (AIBO learns to recognize its name)

AIBO struggles to stand up at this stage. If it fails and feels disappointed, say “Go
for it” to AIBO to encourage it.

When AIBO asks its name, teach it to AIBO (see page 64). Call out the name
repeatedly until AIBO recognizes it. If AIBO turns away, scold it.

z

Hint

When you show a pink ball to AIBO, the favorite thing of AIBO, this makes AIBO stand
up. When it fails to stand up, it looks for the pink ball to encourage itself. Therefore,
place the pink ball at a place where AIBO can see it.

Words AIBO can understand (from this stage):
“Name registration”, “What’s your name?”, “(Name you gave to

AIBO)”, “Owner registration”, “What’s your owner’s name?”, and
“(Owner’s name)”

58

Child stage

At this stage, AIBO is a mischievous child, playing a lot and learning a lot. It likes
a nap also. From this stage, AIBO’s character starts developing.

Child stage 1

Walking AIBO

This type of AIBO is full of curiosity, being absorbed in
the first exploration of your room.

Playful AIBO

This type of AIBO is sociable, asking you to play with it
frequently. When it falls and cannot get up by itself, it
waits for your help.

Child stage 2

Performing AIBO

This type of AIBO is good at playing alone. You can
enjoy its singing and dancing.

Talking AIBO

This type of AIBO likes to talk to you and listen to you.
It likes to mimic the surrounding sounds very much.

Raising AIBO

59

Adolescence

This is a very active stage at which AIBO develops its own characteristics through
communicating with you and its surroundings. AIBO is at its most mischievous
age, and it makes a mistake on purpose and pretends not to know it. AIBO begins
striking out on its own also.

Adolescence stage 1

Cry-baby AIBO

AIBO feels sad because you do not play with it. Encourage it or play with it.

Ball-playing AIBO

AIBO always looks for a pink ball restlessly. Help it
to find the ball.

Studious AIBO

AIBO earnestly learns many things through
communication and conversation with you. Teach it
various movements and gestures.

Adolescence stage 2

Mischievous AIBO

AIBO finally gets angry because you do not care for AIBO although it is crying. It
is longing for your gentleness in its heart.

60

Ball crazy AIBO

AIBO plays with the ball using its excellent techniques.
Play with AIBO together.

Cheerful AIBO

AIBO likes to be with you very much and always wants
to play with you. AIBO is also talkative.

Adult stage

AIBO is now a full-grown adult. Possessing the skills developed in earlier stages,
AIBO behaves with a quiet, mature dignity.
But in spite of the maturity of AIBO, its character will continue to change.

Selfish AIBO

This type of AIBO is selfish, and does not obey. It is nervous and it does not listen
to your advice or instruction.

AIBO the adventurer

This type of AIBO is very independent, and explores your
room often. It also likes to be with you.

Nice guy AIBO

This type of AIBO is good-natured and of remarkable
character.

Raising AIBO

61

Sheltered AIBO

This type of AIBO is still a child not grown up fully, and it will not be satisfied
unless it is always with you.

Finding out AIBO’s maturing stages and character

You can find out the stage of maturing and character of AIBO by asking it “How
old are you?” See page 94 for details.

How old
are you?

62

Learning

You can scold AIBO, and teach it its name or various actions. AIBO learns many
things from its experience or surroundings by itself, or asks you to teach many
things. Depending on AIBO’s maturing stage or character, you can teach it some
things, while you cannot teach other things. See page 96 for details.

Teaching what is good and what is bad (breeding)

When AIBO is repeatedly praised, it tends to carry out its current behavior more
frequently. On the other hand, when it is repeatedly scolded, it tends to carry out its
current behavior less frequently. To praise or scold AIBO, press its head or talk to it
(see page 41).
In this way, your AIBO forms its own unique character that distinguishes itself
from other AIBO.

Raising AIBO

63

Learning its name

You can name AIBO, or teach your name to it. After you teach AIBO its name and
your name, it calls out your name when it wants to play with you or responds to
you whenever it hears its own name or your name. If you teach AIBO a new name,
it forgets the old one.
You can teach AIBO its name only when it is in Autonomous mode at the Baby
stage 3 or later.

Note

AIBO recognizes a name registered with AIBO Life only when it is being operated with
the AIBO Life software. It will not recognize the name when it is being operated with
other AIBO-ware “Memory Stick.”

1

While AIBO is in Autonomous mode, talk to AIBO as shown below:

64

Naming
AIBO

Teaching
your
name

Name

registration.

Owner

registration.

“I want”

“Name”

Sitting
down

Laying
down

The
horn
light
flashes
in blue.

The
horn
light
flashes
in blue.

2

Push the tail switch (in any direction).

AIBO waits for you to teach the name. The horn
light flashes in orange and blue alternately.

z

Hint

If you do not say anything for 10 seconds or more,
the horn light of AIBO goes off and AIBO stops
learning the name.

3

Tell AIBO the name (in 2 seconds or less).

About 10 seconds later, AIBO repeats its name or your
name in its own special voice, and then the horn light of
AIBO goes off.
If the name you gave to AIBO or your name resembles
with another word AIBO knows, or if AIBO does not
hear you clearly due to noise, AIBO makes a gesture
that means “Registration is not possible,” and its horn
light goes off.

To confirm the registered name

Ask AIBO “What’s your name?” AIBO teaches you the name in its own special
voice.
To confirm your name, asks AIBO “What’s your owner’s name?”

Raising AIBO

65

Learning actions

You can teach AIBO various actions by actually moving its legs and head to show
how AIBO is supposed to move. You can also teach AIBO the number
corresponding to the action you have taught also. After AIBO learned the action
and its number, it acts as instructed when you call out the number. Note that AIBO
can learn up to 4 types of actions, and you can assign a name to each action also
(see page 70).
In this manual, teaching AIBO an action is referred as “Action registration.”

Notes

• Action registration depends on the maturing stage and/or character of your AIBO. See
page 96 for details.

• AIBO recognizes an action registered with AIBO Life only when it is being operated
with the AIBO Life software. It does not recognize the action when it is being
operated with other AIBO-ware “Memory Stick.”

66

1

When AIBO is in Autonomous mode, call
out the words “Action teaching” to AIBO.

AIBO makes the “I want” gesture, and its horn light
lights up orange.

z

Hint

If you do not anything for 30 seconds or more, the horn light of AIBO goes off, and the
action registration is cancelled.

2

T ell AIBO “Action number xx (where xx
indicates the number from 1 to 4).”

If you tell AIBO the number already registered here,
AIBO gestures as instructed with the number. If you
want to register a new action with that number, skip
to Step 3. If you want to register an action with a
new number, call out the words “Action number xx

(where xx indicates a number not registered yet).”

z

Hint

If you do not do anything for 30 seconds or more, or tell AIBO “That’s it,” AIBO turns
off its horn light, and cancels the action registration process.

The horn light
lights up orange.

Action
number xx.

Raising AIBO

67

68

3

Call out the words “Sit down” or “Lay
down” to AIBO.

This step is to select the initial posture of AIBO to
be taken before starting an action you teach.

Sit down.

Lay down.

z

Hints

• Every time you say, “Sit down” or “Lay down,” the initial posture of AIBO changes.

• When you say, “Sit down,” you cannot teach AIBO any action including movement of
rear legs.

• If you do not do anything for 30 seconds or more, or tell AIBO “That’s it,” AIBO
turns off its horn light, and cancels the action registration process.

4

Push the tail switch in one of four directions.

AIBO is ready for learning an action.
Its horn light flashes in orange.

z

Hint

If you do not do anything for 30 seconds or more, AIBO turns off its horn light, and
cancels the action registration process.

In any direction

5

Move AIBO while pressing either of its paw switches of the front legs.

AIBO learns an action you teach it while you are pressing either of its paw switches
of the front legs: left or right. AIBO can learn an action that takes up to 10 seconds,
and its horn light flashes in orange and blue alternately while it is learning the
action.
After 10 seconds, the horn light automatically goes off.

z

Hint

AIBO learns voices and sounds it heard during action registration, and will emit them in
its own voice.

Raising AIBO

69

Notes

• Do not teach AIBO a really fast action. If you teach such an action, it may cause AIBO
to malfunction.

• If you teach AIBO a really fast action, AIBO emits a warning sound first. When you
take your finger off of its paw switch, it restores the initial posture you instructed at
Step 3, and then makes the “I cannot learn this action” gesture. If AIBO emits a
warning sound while you are updating the registered action, AIBO forgets this already
registered action. Moreover, note that if you try to teach AIBO a really fast action
several times, it may affect the character of AIBO seriously.

• If AIBO falls while you are teaching it an action, AIBO turns off its horn light and
cancels the current action registration process. If this happens while you are updating
the registered action, AIBO forgets that registered action.

• AIBO loosens each joint during action registration. This does not indicate that AIBO
malfunctions.

• When AIBO does not loosen each joint, never move any of joints forcibly. It may
cause AIBO to malfunction.

6

Take your hand off of AIBO’s Paw switch.

You have finished action registration.
When you tell AIBO “Action number xx” in Autonomous mode, AIBO shows the
action you instructed.

Training

Train AIBO to master a set of originally built-in actions you selected. You can
assign a name to the set of actions AIBO mastered also (up to 10 names can be
assigned to sets of actions). You can also name an action AIBO learned during

70

action registration.

Notes

• AIBO cannot accept your training depending on its maturing stage and/or character.
See page 96 for details.

• If you try to name 11 sets of actions or more, AIBO forgets actions from the oldest
one.

• AIBO recognizes an action you taught with AIBO Life only when it is being operated
with the AIBO Life software. It does not recognize the action when it is being
operated with other AIBO-ware “Memory Stick.”

1

T ell AIBO “Training mode” when it is in Autonomous mode.

AIBO does a preparatory exercise.

Bending exercise

z

Hint

If you do not do anything for 30 seconds or more, AIBO turns off its horn light and
cancels the current training.

2

Call out “AIBO” to AIBO.

AIBO does one action, and waits for your instruction.

The horn light
lights up green.

Raising AIBO

71

3

Tell AIBO one of the following instructions so
that AIBO can master the desired action.

Tell AIBO one of the following instructions to help
AIBO to master the desired action (training).

“Not even close.” Switches a group of actions as

indicated with the arrow mark A.

“That’s wrong.” Switches one action to another as

indicated with the arrow mark B.

“Almost.” Performs an action similar with the current one among actions

labeled C.

“Opposite.” Performs the current action in the reverse order.
“Show me again.” Repeats the current action.

72

Easy gesture

C

A

Basic movement

Walking Sitting down

C

C

B

A

A

Exercise

Kicking

C

Dancing

B

BB

Heading

C

C

z

Hint

If you do not do anything for 30 seconds or more, or if you tell AIBO “That’s it,” AIBO
turns off its horn light, and cancels the current training process.

4

When AIBO masters the desired set of actions, tell it “That’s right.”

The horn light flashes in green.

5

Push the tail switch of AIBO in any
direction.

AIBO waits for you to teach it the name of
set of actions it mastered. The horn light of
AIBO flashes orange and blue alternately.

6

Teach AIBO the name of set of actions it
mastered.

AIBO can remember a name that requires up to
2 seconds to say.
After about 10 seconds, AIBO tells you the
name you taught in its own voice, and then
shows the mastered action(s). The horn light of
AIBO goes off.

In any direction

Happy dance.

Raising AIBO

You have finished training AIBO. When you tell AIBO the action name you taught
to AIBO, it shows the corresponding mastered actions.

73

If you cannot register a name

If you are to register a name that is same as or similar with another word or action
name AIBO already knows, or if AIBO cannot hear you due to noise, AIBO lets
you know with shaking its head that it cannot register the name you said. If you
failed to register a name three times, AIBO lowers its head to show you its
disappointment, and then finishes the current training.

To name the action registered during action registration

Tell AIBO “Action number xx” at Step 3 (on page 72). When AIBO shows the
corresponding action, proceed to Step 4.

74

Playing with AIBO

AIBO sings a song, plays with music, or takes a photo.
This chapter explains its various functions that allow you to enjoy the
life with AIBO.

Having AIBO take a photo

When you say, “Take a picture” to an AIBO, that is in Autonomous mode or
Station mode, AIBO starts a countdown, then snaps a picture for you. AIBO can
memorize up to seven pictures.

Notes

• AIBO can memorize only seven pictures. If you shoot more than seven, each new
picture will replace the oldest picture in the memory of AIBO.

• Note that using AIBO to take pictures may infringe the image right of third parties.
Sony can assume no responsibility in such cases. We request that you avoid taking
pictures that cause inconvenience to other people or infringe their rights.

About the pictures

• Pictures are stored into the “Memory
stick” in the JPEG format.

• The picture resolution is approximately
180 × 140 pixels.

• Flicker (horizontal stripes) or reddish or
bluish bands may appear in the pictures
due to the illumination at the time.

• Fast movements may appear distorted in
the picture.

Color

camera

76

1

When AIBO is in Autonomous or Station
mode, tell AIBO “Take a picture.”

AIBO nods to your request, and its horn light
flashes in blue.

2

Push the tail switch of AIBO in any

Take a
picture.

direction.

The horn light of AIBO flashes in orange, and AIBO
starts a countdown.
AIBO takes a picture with clicking the shutter.

Notes

• If you do not push the tail switch of AIBO within 10 seconds after AIBO nods, AIBO

cancels taking a picture with gesturing sadly.

• When you set the safety switch of the “Memory Stick” to “LOCK,” AIBO cannot

store any picture.

Playing with AIBO

77

Viewing pictures taken by AIBO

Pictures AIBO shot are stored in the “Memory Stick” of AIBO. To see them, one of
the following devices is required as the system that copies data stored in the
“Memory Stick” to your personal computer (PC):

x PC equipped with a slot for a “Memory stick.”
x PC equipped with an external “Memory Stick” adaptor drive.
x PC equipped with a PC card adapter for a “Memory Stick” and a PC card

slot or PC card adaptor drive.

1

Remove the “Memory Stick” from AIBO.

Refer to the “AIBO” ERS-311/312 Operating Instructions for how to remove a
“Memory Stick.”

2

Insert the removed “Memory Stick” into your PC.

Refer to the Operating Instructions supplied with each product required to see
pictures for details.

78

3

Copy or move photo files stored in the “Memory Stick” to your PC.

Copy or move the JPEG files stored under “\OPEN-R\APP\PC\PHOTO” of the
“Memory Stick” to your PC.
Five-digit numbers are sequentially assigned to pictures AIBO shot: the smallest
number is assigned to the oldest file. Each file is named as “IMGxxxxx.JPG,”
where xxxxx indicates a sequential number, and stored in the “Memory Stick.”
See the Operating Instructions supplied with each product required to see pictures
for how to copy pictures.

Memo

If there is no photo file in the “PHOTO” folder, photo files are numbered from “00000”
sequentially.
Otherwise, photo files are numbered based on the number of the photo file stored the last
time in this folder.

Playing with AIBO

79

Playing with sounds

AIBO uses sounds to perform many types of play with you.
Depending on AIBO’s maturing stage and/or character, AIBO cannot perform a
certain type of plays. See page 96 for details.

Mimicking

When you say, “Let’s play” to AIBO, it starts mimicking your voice in its own
voice.
To stop AIBO from mimicking your voice, say, “That’s it” to AIBO.
AIBO may start mimicking or stop mimicking on its own.

Note

When AIBO emits a sound or moves, it cannot hear you easily.

Have AIBO hum a melody

When you sing “Lalala” (three notes), AIBO hears your
melody and repeats it.
Be sure to clearly sing “Lalala” so that AIBO can hear you
correctly.

80

Have AIBO emit a melody

Tell AIBO “AIBO melody,” and then bring your hand close to the distance sensor
located on the nose of AIBO or move your hand away from it. AIBO emits a
sound. When you change the distance from your hand to the distance sensor of
AIBO, it mekes AIBO to emit a piece of music.
When you tell AIBO “Change your sound,” AIBO emits a different sound.
To stop playing with this function, say “That’s it” to AIBO.

Note

When AIBO emits a sound or moves, it cannot hear you easily.

Turn on AIBO step

Tell AIBO “AIBO step.” AIBO makes joyful sounds as it walks a little. Sounds
AIBO makes vary depending on AIBO’s maturing stage and/or character.

Have AIBO sing a song

Tell AIBO “Sing a song.” AIBO sings a merry song or sad song according to its
mood.

Playing with AIBO

81

82

Additional Information

This chapter provides notes on usage, a troubleshooting guide, and
other information concerning AIBO.

Notes on use

To protect the saved data on the “Memory Stick,” note the following:

• The supplied AIBO-ware “Memory Stick” is an accessory of AIBO Life. Using it
also to save data from PCs or camcorders, or for anything other than AIBO
ERF-310AW01E, may damage AIBO.

• Do not touch the terminal A with your hand or
metal objects.

• The saved data may be erased or broken if the
“Memory Stick” is used in a place subject to static
electricity or electric noise.

• Do not stick anything other than a dedicated
“Memory Stick” sticker in the area indicated by
B. A sticker has already been attached to the
AIBO-ware “Memory Stick” supplied with AIBO
Life at the factory.

• Do not bend, drop or apply a strong physical shock
to the “Memory Stick.”

• Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory Stick.”

• To remove the “Memory Stick” from AIBO while it is still operating, first press
the pause button to stop AIBO’s movements and wait until the “Memory Stick”
access indicator goes off.

• Keep the “Memory Stick” away from water and other liquids.

84

• Do not use or store the “Memory Stick” in places subject to:
– Excessively high temperatures, such as a car parked in the sun,
– Direct sunlight, or
– High humidity or corrosive gas.

• When carrying or storing the “Memory Stick,” keep it in the supplied case.

• AIBO Life is designed for use with “AIBO” ERS-310 series. It cannot be used
with “AIBO” ERS-110/111.

• AIBO Life cannot be used except through the AIBO-ware “Memory Stick” on
which it is supplied.

• Sony assumes no responsibility for any malfunctions that may occur as a result
of using AIBO Life in a way not specified in this manual.

• The specifications of this software are subject to change without notice.

What is an AIBO-ware “Memory Stick”?

It is a “Memory Stick” produced for exclusive AIBO use, and on which is stored
application software that can be executed on an AIBO.

Notes

• Do not set the safety switch of the “Memory Stick” to
“LOCK.” Doing so will make it impossible for AIBO to
learn and mature. And any photos shot by AIBO will not
be recorded.

• If this safety switch of the “Memory Stick” is set to
“LOCK,” the horn light of AIBO flashes orange to warn
you when you start it up.
AIBO’s horn light lights in seven colors when you start it
up normally.

Additional Information

85

Troubleshooting

If you experience any of the following difficulties, use this troubleshooting guide
to correct the problem before contacting AIBO Customer Link. Refer to the
“AIBO” ERS-311/312 Operating Instructions to check AIBO entirely and its sensor
condition in Clinic mode. Should the problem persist, contact the AIBO Customer
Link. (See page 4 for details on the AIBO Customer Support.)

Symptom • Remedy

86

AIBO does not move
even when you press the
pause button.

When you press the
pause button, the back
light flashes in green and
orange alternately, and a
warning sound is output.

• The battery pack is not installed to AIBO.
t Insert the battery pack to AIBO (see page 29). After inserting

the battery pack into AIBO, press the pause button again to
cancel Pause mode.

• The battery power is low.
t Recharge the battery pack or replace the battery pack with a

charged one.

• The temperature of the battery pack is abnormally high.
t Wait until the battery cools down.

Symptom • Remedy

AIBO emits a sad
melody and does not
move when you press the
pause button.

The “Memory Stick”
eject button (Z) or
BATT Z latch does not
work, and you cannot
remove the “Memory
Stick” or battery pack.

It takes a long time for
AIBO to start moving.

AIBO tries to walk but it
does not move forward.

AIBO falls often.

• The “Memory Stick” with AIBO-ware is not inserted into AIBO.

• A “Memory Stick” other than one designed exclusive for AIBO
(unusable with AIBO ERS-311/312) is inserted into AIBO.

• The AC adaptor and conversion plug are connected to AIBO’s
charging terminal.

t Disconnect the AC adaptor and conversion plug form AIBO,

and then restart AIBO.

• The program is still running. Press the pause button to stop the
program. After checking to see if the “Memory Stick” access
indicator goes off, remove the “Memory Stick” or battery pack.

Additional Information

• AIBO is loading data from the “Memory Stick.” Wait a while.

• The floor may be too slippery.

t Place AIBO on a surface that is not too slippery, such as a

carpet with a short nap.

• The floor may be too slippery, inclined or unstable.

t Place AIBO on a flat surface that is not too slippery.

87

Symptom • Remedy

88

After you pick AIBO up,
it moves only slowly
without moving its
hands and legs.

The mode indicator is
flashing, and AIBO does
not move and its joints
are limp.

AIBO’s back light
flashes in orange.

AIBO asks to be charged
even with a fully
charged battery pack.

AIBO emits no sound.

• AIBO stops moving whenever it is picked up from the floor.
t Check to see if the mode indicator lights or not. If it does,

place AIBO on the floor. If it does not move after a while,
push its tail switch in the front direction for 3 seconds. AIBO
enters Autonomous mode again.

• AIBO’s joint is jammed.
t Place AIBO on the floor and press its tail switch in the front

direction for 3 seconds.

• There may be a problem with the battery pack.
t Check to see if the battery pack is inserted into AIBO’s main

body correctly. If the back light flashes although the battery
pack is inserted correctly, contact the AIBO Customer Link.

• With a fully charged battery pack, AIBO Life can normally

operate for about 2.5 hours (in Autonomous mode). If the
operating period continues to be much shorter, the battery pack
may be reaching the end of its service life. Replace it with a new
battery pack.

• The volume setting may be set to “0.”
t Adjust the volume higher (refer to the “AIBO” ERS-311/312

Operating Instructions).

Reference Materials

• Words apprehensible to AIBO

• The maturing stages of AIBO

• What can AIBO do at each maturing stage?

Words apprehensible to AIBO

This section lists words AIBO can understand. Call out words listed later in this
section to praise, scold, teach or play with AIBO.

AIBO does not understand what you say when:

z At the baby stage or child stage, AIBO with “AIBO Life” recognizes a few words, and

may tilt its head in puzzlement even though you talk to it. As AIBO matures, it comes to
understand almost all words.

z AIBO may not recognize several words depending on its mode or condition.
z Even though AIBO understands you, it may choose to ignore you.
z AIBO cannot hear you if its surroundings are noisy. Call out to AIBO under quiet

conditions.

z If you say a word whose pronunciation is unclear, AIBO cannot recognize it. Speak very

clearly.

z While AIBO is emitting sounds or moving, it cannot hear you easily.
z When AIBO recognizes a sound, its horn light lights in white. However, AIBO may hear

your word incorrectly or may not act as instructed.

90

z Calling AIBO’s

name or giving a
name to AIBO

AIBO

AIBO stops the current behavior,
and tries to hear you. Even after
you give AIBO a different name,
AIBO responds when you call
“AIBO.”

Registered name (name you
gave to AIBO)

When you call out the name you
gave to AIBO, it responds to the
name.

Registered owner’s name
(your name)

AIBO is delighted when it hears
the registered owner’s name.

Name registration

Give a name to AIBO (see page

64).

What’s your name?

AIBO answers the name you gave
to it in its own voice.

Owner registration

Teach the owner’s name (your
name) to AIBO (see page 64).

What’s your owner’s name?

AIBO answers its owner’s name
(your name) in its own voice.

Over here.

AIBO answers to it.

z Appraising,

scolding or
encouraging AIBO

Good boy./Good girl./
Good AIBO.

These words are for appraising
AIBO. They are equivalent with
your appraising AIBO by gently
pushing its head downwards or
turning around the tail switch.

Don’t do it./Don’t do that.

These words are for scolding
AIBO. They are equivalent with
your scolding AIBO by pushing
its head upwards or pushing its
tail switch quickly.

Go for it.

Say these words to encourage
AIBO when it fails something.
AIBO retries the failed activity in
the better way.

How cute.

AIBO is pleased self-consciously
to hear you say these words.

z Thanking/

Apologizing

Thank you./Thanks.

Tell these words to AIBO when it
acts as instructed properly.

I’m sorry./I’m so sorry.

z Greeting from you

to AIBO

Good morning.
Hello./Hi.
Good night.
Bye bye./Good bye.
See you later.
I’m here.

z Greeting from

AIBO to you

Say hello.
Shake./Shake hands.

Reference Materials

91

z Asking AIBO a

question

Are you bored?
Are you alright?
Are you tired?
Sleepy?
Are you hungry?

AIBO answers to questions above
by showing “Yes” or “No.”

How old are you?

AIBO teaches you what stage it is
at by its horn light and legs (see
page 94).

z Taking a picture

Take a picture.

AIBO takes a picture of the
landscape it is seeing (see page

76).

z Moving

Come here./Over here.

AIBO comes to you. However, it
may not recognize the correct
direction depending on its
surroundings or its current
conditions.

Stop.

92

Sit down.
Stand up.
Lay down.

When AIBO is tired, it may not
move as instructed. When AIBO
moves as instructed, tell AIBO
“Thank you.”

Walk around.

AIBO starts exploring your room.

Get up.

If you tell AIBO these words
when it feels sleepy, it looks
around restlessly. *When AIBO is
in Sleep mode, shake AIBO to
wake it up, and then say these
words.

Go away.

AIBO steps aside reluctantly. Tell
AIBO “Thank you.”

Where’s the ball?

AIBO looks for the supplied pink
ball. When AIBO finds the ball, it
may run after the ball.

Go forward.
Go back.
Go right./Turn right.
Go left./Turn left.
Kick the ball.

z Special actions

Let’s dance.

AIBO shows you its joyful dance.

Pose for me./Take a pose.

Say these words to AIBO when
you want to take a picture of you
and AIBO. Click the shutter while
AIBO pauses for about 3 seconds.

Karate chop.

z Communicating

with another AIBO

Talk to your friend./Talk to
your buddy.

Tell these words to AIBO when
you want to have AIBO
communicate with another AIBO
(see page 53).

AIBO/That’s it./All done.

When you say this, AIBO stops
communicating with another
AIBO.

Continue./Keep going.

When you happen to interrupt
communication between AIBOs,
say these words to restart their
communication.

z Playing with

sounds

Let’s play./Let’s talk.

AIBO starts mimicking in its own
voice (see page 80).

AIBO melody./Play sound.

Tell AIBO these words when you
want to have AIBO emit a melody
(see page 81).

Change your sound.

AIBO changes the melody it is
emitting to another one.

AIBO step./Walk with sound.

AIBO makes merry sounds as it
walks (see page 81).

Lalala

Tell AIBO this word when you
want AIBO to hum this sound
(see page 80).

Sing a song./Sing for me.

AIBO sings a joyful song when it
is pleased, and a sad song when it
feels sad (see page 81).

That’s it./All done.

AIBO stops mimicking, or
emitting a melody.

z T eaching AIBO an

action

Action teaching./Action
teaching mode.

When you tell these words to
AIBO, you can teach it the
desired action (see page 66).

Action number xx (where xx
indicates a number from 1 to

4)

When you tell AIBO the
registered number, AIBO shows
you the specified action (see page

67).

That’s it./All done.

AIBO stops learning an action.

z T raining AIBO

Training mode.

When you tell these words to
AIBO, it allows you to give a
name to actions AIBO mastered
(see page 70).

Not even close./That’s
wrong./Almost./Very close./
You’re close./Do the
opposite./Opposite.

AIBO changes the current action
during training as instructed.

That’s right.

AIBO understands that it carried
out the current action
appropriately during training.

Show me again.

AIBO repeats the current action
during training.

Registered action name
(registered during training)

When you tell AIBO the action
name registered during training,
AIBO shows you the
corresponding action or set of
actions.

That’s it./All done.

AIBO stops the current training.

Reference Materials

93

Maturing stages

AIBO grows up as shown in the right
diagram. To know the current maturing
stage and character of AIBO, call out
“How old are you?” to AIBO. AIBO
lies down, and then answers you with
using its horn light and legs.

How old
are you?

94

Horn light

Stage 1

White

Newborn AIBO

AIBO raises its left front leg.

Baby stage

Stage 2

Pink

AIBO and ball

Stage 3

Green

AIBO stands!

Child stage Adolescence

Adult stage

Stage 1

Yellow

Walking AIBO

Blue

Playful AIBO

Stage 2

Orange

Performing AIBO

Green

Talking AIBO

AIBO raises its right front leg.

Stage 1

Yellow

Cry-baby AIBO

White

Ball-plyaing AIBO

Blue

Studious AIBO

Stage 2

Orange

Mischievous AIBO

Pink

Ball crazy AIBO

Green

Cheerful AIBO

AIBO raises its right rear leg.

Orange

Selfish AIBO

Yellow

AIBO the adventure

Reference Materials

Blue

Nice guy AIBO

Green

Sheltered AIBO

AIBO raises its

left rear leg.

95

What can AIBO do at each maturing stage?

The following table shows what AIBO can do and what it cannot at each maturing
stage.

Empty ..... impossible

a ............. possible

f ............. AIBO may not do depending on the occasion.

96

Reference

page

53

66
70
64
76
80
80

81

81
81

What AIBO can do

Character

Communication with
another AIBO

Learning an action
Training
Learning its name
Taking a picture
Humming
Mimicking
Emitting music

(AIBO melody)
Stepping
Singing a song

Newborn

AIBO

a

Baby stage

AIBO and

ball

a

AIBO

stands!

a

a

Walking

AIBO

Child stage

Stage 1 Stage 2

Playful

AIBO

a

a

a

Talking

Performing

AIBO

a

a

a

AIBO

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

Studious

AIBO

Adolescence

Stage 1 Stage 2

Ball-playing

AIBO

Cry-baby

AIBO

Cheerful

AIBO

Ball crazy

AIBO

Mischievous

AIBO

Sheltered

AIBO

Adult stage

Nice guy

AIBO

AIBO the
adventure

Selfish

AIBO

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

f

f

f

a

f

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

f

f

a

a

f

f

f

a

f

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

f

f

a

a

f

f

f

a

f

Reference Materials

97