Sony ERS-31L User Guide

Operating Instructions

4-664-548-11(1)

For Customers in the U.S.A. and
Canada

Safety Information

Owner’s Record

The model number and serial number are located inside the cover of the unit
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 Customer Link.
Model No. ERS-31L
Serial No. ___________

Warning

• To prevent 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.) (page 8)

• 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.

• Vérifiez périodiquement si l’adaptateur secteur ne présente pas des
conditions susceptibles de provoquer un incendie, des décharges électriques
ou des blessures aux personnes (comme des dommages aux câbles, aux
oreilles ou au boîtier) et, en présence de telles conditions, l’adaptateur

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secteur ne peut plus être utilisé avant son réparation ou remplacement.

• Cet appareil n’est pas destiné aux enfants de moins de 8 ans.

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY

LITHIUM ION BATTERY
DISPOSE OF PROPERLY

You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to your nearest Sony
Service Center.

Note

In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business trash may be
prohibited.

For the Sony AIBO Customer Link call 1-800-427-2988 in the United States or
contact us via email at [e-mail].

! Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion battery.
! Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the ERA-

301B1. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Discard used
batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

! The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if

mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above 140°F (60°C) or incinerate. Dispose of
used battery promptly. Keep away from children. Do not disassemble and do not
dispose of in fire.

RECYCLING LITIUM-ION RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

Litium-ion rechargeable 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

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking litium-ion batteries.

http://www.rbrc.org/

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Regulatory Information

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.

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.

4

For Customers in Europe and
Australia

Safety Information

WARNING

• To prevent 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.) (page 8)

• 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 (ERA­201P1).

• 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 authorised 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 disregarded for children’s safety.

• For information regarding AC adapter, station, and lithium ion battery pack,
please refer to the manuals provided separately.

5

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY

! Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries.
! Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with

the ERA-301B1. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.

! The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn

hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 °C
(140 °F ) or incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly. Keep away from
children. Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in fire.

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 geheugen­backupbatterij

(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 moet­worden.
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

6

recycling, de batterij zal dan op correcte wijze verwerkt worden.

Regulatory Information

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

Toy Directive 88/378/EEC, EN50088/96 + A1/96 + A2/97, EN71-1/98, DIN
EN 71-2/01.94, DIN EN 71-3/03.95

EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
EMI EN55022/98, EN55014/93 + A1/97+A2/99, EN50081-1/92
EMS : EN55024/98, EN55014-2/97, EN61000-3-2/95, EN61000-3-3/95,
EN50082-1/97

AC Adapter and Lithium Ion Batteries have been tested all together as a
system and found to conform to the following Safety Standards.

LVD 73/23/EEC + 93/68/EEC
EN60950/92 + A1/93 + A2/93 + A3/95 + A4/97 + A11/97
EN60065/98
EN61558-1/97 + A1/98
EN61558-2-7/97

CE (EMC) Marking Conformity Remarks

a) This equipment complies with EN55022.
Class B digital for use in following areas : residential, business, and
light-industrial.
b) This product conforms with the following European Directive:
89/336/EEC (EMC directive)

7

Sony Corporation
6-7-35 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0001 JAPAN
Please keep all information for future reference.

Customer Support

How can you contact the AIBO Customer Link?
In the U.S.A. and Canada:

Call 1-800-427-2988 (U.S.A.)
Email address: [e-mail]

 2002 Sony Corporation. Reproduction in whole or in part without
written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

What is AIBO? ............................................................................... 12

ERS-31L .........................................................................................13

Checking the supplied accessories .................................................15

Index to parts and controls .............................................................16

AIBO exterior .......................................................................... 16

AIBO’s inner unit .................................................................... 18

Stand ........................................................................................ 20

Charging the battery pack

Inserting the battery pack ...............................................................22

Charging the battery pack .............................................................. 24

Playing with AIBO

Inserting or removing a “Memory Stick”....................................... 30

Inserting a “Memory Stick”..................................................... 30

Removing the “Memory Stick” ............................................... 32

Starting up AIBO ........................................................................... 33

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10

When not playing with AIBO ........................................................ 35

Pausing AIBO .......................................................................... 35

Replacing the battery pack .............................................................36

Setting the volume level of the musical tone ................................. 39

Additional information

Notes on use ...................................................................................42

On handling AIBO................................................................... 42

Moisture condensation ............................................................. 44

On handling the AC adapter .................................................... 44

On handling the battery pack ................................................... 44

On cleaning .............................................................................. 45

Troubleshooting ............................................................................. 46

Clinic mode ............................................................................. 46

Changing AIBO to clinic mode ............................................... 46

Check list for clinic mode........................................................ 47

Symptoms and remedies .......................................................... 50

Limited warranty (for the U.S.A. only).......................................... 54

Service procedure (for the U.S.A. only) ........................................ 57

Specifications .................................................................................58

Index ............................................................................................... 61

Designer of AIBO ERS-31L ..........................................................63

Introduction

This chapter introduces you to the Entertainment Robot AIBO
ERS-31L.

Introduction

11

What is AIBO?

“AIBO” is the name given to the Sony entertainment robot.
Developed to encourage human and robot interaction,
AIBO creates and introduces you to new pleasures and
lifestyles.

The name “AIBO” is coined from the words “A.I.
(Artificial Intelligence),” “eye” and “robot.” In Japanese,
the word “aibou” means “partner” or “pal.”

For the newest information on AIBO, go to the following homepage:
http://www.aibo.com/

12

ERS-31L

To comfortably coexist with people, AIBO ERS-31L was designed with four
legs, a head, and a tail, and a total of fifteen internal motors that enable it to
walk, sit, or lie down in a natural way. It can also use its horn light to express
emotions.

“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-31L conforms to the OPEN-R
version 1.1.1.

“AIBO,” the AIBO logo
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. “Memory Stick,”
“
manual, the “” mark has been omitted.

,” and “ ” are trademarks of Sony Corporation. In this

, “OPEN-R,” and the OPEN-R logo are

Introduction

13

AIBO-ware “Memory Sticks”

To play with AIBO ERS-31L, you must provide it with optional AIBO-ware
“Memory Stick,” a variety of which are available, depending on how you want
to enjoy your AIBO. Without AIBO-ware, AIBO is just like a body without a
mind. AIBO-ware loaded from a “Memory Stick” works as AIBO’s mind and
determines its character and functions.

• An AIBO-ware “Memory Stick” is a “Memory Stick” created just for AIBO,
containing application software for operating AIBO.

• Before purchasing an AIBO-ware “Memory Stick,” make sure the AIBO­ware is compatible with your AIBO model.

AIBO

AIBO-ware “Memory Stick”
(not supplied)

You can select different AIBO-ware,
depending on the way you want to
enjoy AIBO. For example, there is
AIBO-ware for raising AIBO or for
giving it a different character.

Note

If you start up AIBO without inserting an AIBO-ware “Memory Stick,” AIBO enters
clinic mode in which its sensors and other parts are checked (page 46).

14

Checking the supplied accessories

Check to make sure you have the following items before you play with AIBO.

x AC adapter ERA-201P1 (1)

x AC adapter conversion

x Stand (1)

x Pink ball (1)

plug* (1)

x Lithium ion battery pack

ERA-301B1 (1)

* Keep cards with magnetic data strips or magnetic recording media away

from the AC adapter conversion plug. The data on such magnetic media may
be erased by the magnet within the conversion plug.

x Documentation

• AIBO Operating Instructions

• Congratulations on becoming a new
AIBO owner

Introduction

15

Index to parts and controls

AIBO exterior

Notes

• Do not attach stickers on AIBO’s color camera (6) or distance sensor (5).

• Do not attach stickers onto or insert anything into AIBO’s joints or other movable
parts.

• When lifting AIBO, firmly grasp it by its back (page 33). Never lift it by its head,
ears, collar, legs, or tail.

• The gray area between AIBO’s chin and collar is not a switch. Do not insert your

16

fingers into this area as they may get caught and cause damage to AIBO.

1 Mode indicator (located behind

the horn)

Shows AIBO’s operation mode.

2 Horn light

Lights up in various colors to indicate
AIBO’s emotional state.

3 Head

A switch within AIBO’s head detects
movement whenever you gently push
AIBO’s head upward or downward.

9 Back light

• Lights up green when AIBO is in
active mode.

• Flashes green when AIBO is
preparing for pause mode.

• Lights up orange when the internal
battery pack is being charged.

• Flashes orange when an error has
occurred during charging.

• Turns off when AIBO is in pause
mode or the battery pack is
completely charged.

Introduction

4 Stereo microphone

Allows AIBO to pick up surrounding
sounds.

5 Distance sensor

AIBO uses this sensor to measure the
distance between it and an object.

6 Color camera

Allows AIBO to recognize the
objects by color, shape, and
movement.

7 Speaker

Emits various musical tones and
sound effects.

8 Paw switches

Located on the bottom of each paw.

q; Pause button

Press to activate AIBO or to pause
AIBO.

qa Tail switch

Used for giving AIBO commands.
This switch can be pushed in four
directions. The commands given
through the tail vary with the AIBO­ware used.

Movable in four directions

Front

Right

Back

Left

17

AIBO’s inner unit

The illustration shows AIBO with its cover removed.

*

Serial number
sticker (inside
the battery pack
compartment)

Shutter for charging terminal

Note

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

18

1 Charging terminal

Connect the supplied AC adapter here
with the supplied AC adapter
conversion plug. When AIBO is
placed on the supplied stand with an
optional Energy Station Core
installed, this terminal directly
touches AIBO’s internal battery pack
to charge it.

2 VOLUME switch

Used to adjust the volume of the
speaker in four levels including mute.

3 “Memory Stick” access

indicator

Lights up while AIBO is accessing
the “Memory Stick.” During this
time, the Z button and the BATT Z
latch are deactivated. When this
indicator is lit, do not attempt to
remove the “Memory Stick.”

4 RESERVED switch

This switch is reserved for functions
to be added in the future.

5 BATT Z latch

Flip this latch towards AIBO’s tail to
remove the battery pack.

6 “Memory Stick” insertion slot

Insert the AIBO-ware “Memory
Stick” (not supplied) into this slot.

7 Battery pack insertion slot

Insert the supplied or an optional
lithium ion battery pack into this slot.

8 Z button

Press this button to remove the
“Memory Stick.”

Emergency release hole

*

When the “Memory Stick” or battery
pack cannot be removed because of a
mechanical problem, etc., insert a
pointed object into this hole and
push. Do not use anything that
breaks easily such as a toothpick.
Do not use this hole under normal
circumstances.

Introduction

19

Stand

1 Stand

Place AIBO on the stand while it is in
pause mode or while it is charging.

2 Decoration plate

Remove this plate when the optional
Energy Station Core is attached to the
stand.

Note

The supplied stand is for use with AIBO ERS-310 series only.

20

Charging the battery pack

This chapter explains how to charge AIBO’s battery pack.

Charging the battery pack

21

Inserting the battery pack

The battery pack supplied with AIBO comes partially charged. It is
recommended that you charge the battery pack fully before you play with
AIBO. To charge the battery pack, first insert it as described below.

1

Grasp AIBO securely by the body, turn it upside down, and
remove its cover by pushing the mark towards AIBO’s tail.

Notes

• Lift AIBO by the body, not by its extremities. Do not hold AIBO by its collar.
Your finger may get caught between the collar and AIBO’s head or body.

• AIBO’s surface is very smooth. Be careful not to drop AIBO while lifting it.

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

• Use only the supplied battery pack type ERA-301B1.

22

2

Insert the supplied battery pack in the direction of the arrow until
it clicks into place, and then replace the cover.

Push here.

For details on how to replace the battery pack, see page 36.

Charging the battery pack

23

Charging the battery pack

You can use the supplied AC adapter and the conversion plug to charge the
battery pack while it is inserted into AIBO. It is recommended that you charge
the battery pack at room temperature (10° to 30°C (50° to 86°F)). At room
temperature, it takes about 2 hours to fully charge the battery pack.

1

Connect the AC adapter to the AC adapter conversion plug
securely.

AC adapter
conversion plug

AC adapter

24

2

Open the charging terminal shutter on the cover (1) and connect
the conversion plug to the charging terminal (2).

The conversion plug attaches by magnet.

Note

Do not remove the cover when attaching the conversion plug. Removing the cover
may prevent the conversion plug from connecting properly to the terminal.

3

With the conversion plug attached, place AIBO on the stand as
shown below.

Be sure to draw the AC adapter cord through the
groove and out from the back of the stand.

Charging the battery pack

25

4

Connect the AC adapter to a wall outlet.

When AIBO is connected to the AC adapter, it will not enter active mode even
when you press the pause button.

While charging

The back light lights up orange.

When charging has finished

The back light turns off.

Back light

26

Notes

• If the back light flashes orange while you are charging the battery pack, check that
the battery pack is inserted correctly. If the flashing of the back light persists, contact
AIBO Customer Link (page 8).

• If you connect the AC adapter to AIBO while it is in active mode, AIBO will change
to pause mode automatically and charging of the battery pack starts.

• When you remove the AC adapter conversion plug from AIBO, be sure to grasp the
plug as you pull it out.

• After removing the conversion plug, be sure to close the charging terminal shutter.

x Using the Energy Station Core ERA-301P2 (not supplied)

When the optional Energy Station Core is
attached to the stand, you can charge AIBO’s
internal battery pack merely by placing AIBO
on the stand.

Energy Station Core

Charging the battery pack

27

28

Playing with AIBO

This chapter explains procedures that are necessary for playing
with AIBO, such as inserting the AIBO-ware “Memory Stick,”
adjusting the volume of the musical tones, and replacing the
battery pack. Note that optional AIBO-ware is required in order
to play with AIBO.

Playing with AIBO

29

Inserting or removing a “Memory
Stick”

To play with AIBO, insert an optional “Memory Stick” into AIBO. For details,
refer to the “User’s Guide” supplied with the respective AIBO-ware “Memory
Stick.” When you start up AIBO without inserting an AIBO-ware “Memory
Stick,” it enters clinic mode in which AIBO’s sensors and other parts are
checked (page 46).

Inserting a “Memory Stick”

Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick” only after pausing AIBO. When AIBO is
in pause mode, the back light turns off.

1

Grasp AIBO securely by the body, turn it upside down, and
remove its cover by pushing the mark towards AIBO’s tail.

30

Notes

• Lift AIBO by the body, not by its extremities. Do not hold AIBO by its collar.
Your finger may get caught between the collar and AIBO’s head or body.

• AIBO’s surface is very smooth. Be careful not to drop AIBO while lifting it.

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

2

Insert the “Memory Stick,” and replace the cover.

With the ▼ mark pointed downward and the rounded corner facing the tail,
insert the “Memory Stick” into the “Memory Stick” insertion slot until it
clicks into place.

Rounded corner

Playing with AIBO

31

Removing the “Memory Stick”

Before removing the “Memory Stick” from AIBO, press the pause button on
AIBO’s back to make AIBO pause, and then remove the cover to confirm that
the “Memory Stick” access indicator is turned off.
Press the Z button on AIBO’s inner unit, and then remove the “Memory
Stick.”

“Memory Stick” access indicator

Note

The “Memory Stick” cannot be removed while the “Memory Stick” access indicator
lights up red. Do not try to remove the “Memory Stick” by force during this time.

32

Starting up AIBO

1

Place AIBO on the floor as shown below.

Place it on a flat, non-slippery surface, such as a carpet with a short nap.

Notes

• If you place AIBO on a slippery floor or a carpet with a long nap, it may tend to
fall often, fail to go forward, or have a tendency to jam up.

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

Playing with AIBO

33

2

Push and release the pause button on AIBO’s back.

AIBO’s pause mode is canceled and the back light lights up green. Wait for a
while until AIBO starts to move under the control of the inserted AIBO-ware
“Memory Stick.”

Note

If an abnormality occurs or if you catch your finger in one of AIBO’s joints, press
the pause button on AIBO’s back.

For details on playing with AIBO from this point on

Refer to the “User’s Guide” supplied with the AIBO-ware.

34

When not playing with AIBO

We recommend that you charge the battery pack (page 24) so that AIBO will
be ready to play at any time.

Pause button

Pausing AIBO

Press the pause button on AIBO’s back.
The back light flashes green, and then
turns off after a while. Place AIBO on the
supplied stand at this time.

Playing with AIBO

Notes

• Before placing AIBO on the stand, be sure to press the pause button on AIBO’s back
to make it pause. If AIBO is in active mode when placed on the stand, it may move,
tumble off and damage itself.

• The battery pack will not charge if you merely place AIBO on the stand without
pressing the pause button.

Stand

35

Replacing the battery pack

It is possible to use the supplied AC adapter and the conversion plug to charge
the battery pack while it is still inserted into AIBO. You can also change the
battery pack in AIBO with another pack that has been charged.

Note

Use only the supplied battery pack type ERA-301B1.

1

Press the pause button and wait until the back light turns off.

Back light

Note

While AIBO is accessing the “Memory Stick,” the “Memory Stick” access
indicator lights up red. During this time, the BATT Z latch and Z button are
deactivated and the battery pack and “Memory Stick” cannot be removed until the
data-saving procedure has been completed. Do not try to remove the “Memory
Stick” by force during this time.

36

2

Grasp AIBO securely by the body, turn it upside down, and
remove its cover by pushing the mark towards AIBO’s tail.

Notes

• Lift AIBO by the body, and not by its extremities. Do not hold AIBO by its
collar. Your finger may get caught between the collar and AIBO’s head or body.

• AIBO’s surface is very smooth. Be careful not to drop AIBO while lifting it.

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

3

Flip the BATT Z latch towards AIBO’s tail to remove the battery
pack.

BATT Z latch

Playing with AIBO

37

38

Notes

• When removing the battery pack, be sure to hold it securely so that it does not
fall.

• When the “Memory Stick” access indicator lights up, the battery pack is locked.
Removing it forcibly at this time may damage AIBO.

4

Insert the charged battery pack in the direction of the arrow until
the pack clicks into place, then replace the cover.

Push here.

5

Place AIBO on the floor as shown below.

Note

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

Setting the volume level of the
musical tone

Before setting the volume level, be sure to press the pause button on the back
to make AIBO pause.

1

Grasp AIBO’s body securely, turn it upside down, and remove its
cover by pushing the mark towards AIBO’s tail.

Notes

• Lift AIBO by the body, not by its extremities. Do not hold AIBO by it collar.
Your finger may get caught between the collar and AIBO’s head or body.

• AIBO’s surface is very smooth. Be careful not to drop AIBO while lifting it.

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

Playing with AIBO

39

2

Slide the VOLUME switch to adjust the volume level, then replace
the cover.

To increase the volume level, slide the switch towards the + position; to
decrease the volume level, slide it towards the – position. When you release
the switch, it returns to the center position.
There are four volume levels, including mute. Each time you slide the switch
the level increases or decreases by one level.

40

Additional information

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

Additional information

41

Notes on use

To prevent AIBO and its accessories from being damaged, observe the
following precautions.

On handling AIBO

• Do not use AIBO in places subject to vibrations, on an incline, or at a place
where it might fall.

• Do not press down hard on AIBO with your hand or elbow.

• Do not drop or shake AIBO as this may damage AIBO or cause data saved
to the “Memory Stick” to be lost.

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

• Lift AIBO by the body, and not by its extremities, such as the head, ears,
collar, tail or legs. Do not swing or twist AIBO.

• Do not leave AIBO in very hot places, such as a car parked in the sun, as this
may deform or damage it.

• Do not allow foreign things, such as paper clips, to get into AIBO or its
joints.

• Do not use AIBO outdoors. If you do, moisture or other foreign matter may
enter AIBO and cause damage.

• Do not use AIBO on concrete or other hard surface as this may damage
AIBO.

• Do not use AIBO on slippery floor or on a carpet with a long nap. If you do,
AIBO may tend to fall often, fail to go forward, or have a tendency to jam

42

up.

• Do not allow AIBO to get wet.

• Do not use force to interfere with any of AIBO’s movements.

• Do not touch the lens of the color camera or distance sensor directly with
your hand.

• Do not apply stickers to the color camera or the distance sensor.

• Do not point the color camera at the sun, whether AIBO is turned on or off,
as this may damage the camera.

• Do not oil AIBO’s joints or other movable parts.

• Do not apply stickers to AIBO’s movable parts or insert anything between
them as this may interfere with AIBO’s movement.

• Do not disassemble or modify AIBO.

• When transporting AIBO, put it in a cushioned box like the one it came in to
protect its body, head, tail and legs from damage.

• If you do not use AIBO for a long period of time, disconnect the AC adapter
from the wall outlet.

• Do not use AIBO in a place subject to strong electromagnetic waves or X­rays.

• Do not place a card with a magnetic strip or a magnetic recording medium
close to the AC adapter conversion plug. The magnet inside the conversion
plug may erase the data recorded on the magnetic medium.

• The AIBO-ware applications designed for ERS-110/111 cannot be used with
ERS-31L.

• ERS-31L may not operate with some AIBO-ware applications designed for
ERS-210/220. And even if operable, there may be limits on some of the
functions.

Additional information

43

Moisture condensation

If AIBO is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may
condense on AIBO’s inside or outside surface, causing damage. If moisture
condensation has occurred, wait for about one hour before operating AIBO.

On handling the AC adapter

• Be sure to use only the supplied AC adapter to charge AIBO’s battery pack.
Using any other adapter may cause damage to AIBO.

• Do not connect the AC adapter to electronic transformers designed for use
by travelers, as this may cause AIBO to heat up or become damaged.

On handling the battery pack

• Do not expose the battery pack to temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F), such
as in a car parked in the sun.

• Be careful not to let foreign matter like dust or sand get into the terminals.

• If you are not going to play with AIBO for a long period, remove the battery
pack from AIBO and store it in a dry, cool place.

• The battery pack is constantly discharging even when it is not in use. Charge
the battery pack right before using AIBO.

• Do not drop the battery pack or place heavy object on it. Do not apply
strong pressure or physical shock to the battery pack.

44

On cleaning

• Clean AIBO with a clean, dry, soft cloth.

• Do not use volatile solvents that may damage AIBO’s surface finish.

• When cleaning with chemical fabric, see its instructions.

Additional information

45

Troubleshooting

Before contacting the AIBO Customer Link regarding a problem, we
recommend that you use clinic mode to check AIBO’s balance and sensors,
and refer to “Symptoms and remedies” (page 50).

Clinic mode

If you start up AIBO without inserting an AIBO-ware “Memory Stick,” AIBO
enters clinic mode in which its sensors and other parts are checked. The mode
indicator turns off at this time. If afterwards the problem persists, contact the
AIBO Customer Link (page 8).

Changing AIBO to clinic mode

1

Remove the AIBO-ware “Memory Stick” from AIBO (page 32).

2

Place AIBO on the floor as shown below, and then press the pause
button on its back (page 34).

AIBO enters clinic mode and repeats the following
sequence of actions: stands up, sits down, lies
down.

46

Check list for clinic mode

Horn light
Head switch
(inside the head)

Mode indicator

Tail switch

Right

Front

Item Procedure

Operation of the tail
switch and AIBO’s
overall balance

1 Push the tail switch to AIBO’s right for three

seconds.

AIBO does the following sequence of actions: walks
forward, walks backward, kicks with its right front
leg, kicks with its left front leg. AIBO’s horn light
lights up in three colors during this time. AIBO then
resumes the repetition of the original sequence of
actions: stands up, sits down, lies down.

2 Push the tail switch to AIBO’s left for three

seconds.

AIBO does the following sequence of actions: sits,
waves with its right front paw, waves with its left
front paw, raises both front paws. AIBO’s horn light
lights up in three colors during this time.

Back light

Pause
button

Back

Left

Additional information

47

Item Procedure

Sensitivity of the
paw switches

You can
rotate in
either
direction

Sensitivity of
AIBO’s head switch

Sensitivity of the
color camera

1 Rotate the tail switch once.

AIBO lies down with all legs sprawled out.

2 Touch a paw switch.

AIBO pulls in the touched paw.

3 Rotate the tail switch again.

AIBO resumes the repetition of the original
sequence of actions again: stands up, sits down, lies
down.

1 Push the head gently to make AIBO look down.

The horn light lights up green.

2 Push the head gently to make AIBO look up.

The horn light lights up orange.

1 Move the supplied pink ball close to the color

camera (AIBO’s mouth).

When the camera detects the ball, the horn light
lights up blue.
If the ball is too close or too far, the camera may not
be able to detect it. Adjust the distance between the
ball and the camera.

48

Item Procedure

Sensitivity of the
distance sensor

You can
rotate in
either
direction

1 Rotate the tail switch once.

AIBO lies down with all legs sprawled out.

2 Place your hand or other object over the distance

sensor (AIBO’s nose).

When the distance sensor detects the object, a beep
is emitted. (When the volume level of the musical
tone is set to mute, no beep is emitted.) The pitch of
the beep changes depending on the distance
between the object and the sensor. If the object is
too close or too far, the sensor may not be able to
detect it. Adjust the distance between the object and
the sensor.

3 Rotate the tail switch again.

AIBO resumes the repetition of the original
sequence of actions: stands up, sits down, lies
down.

Additional information

Pick-up mode 1 Pick AIBO up from the floor.

AIBO stops moving, its legs become loose and the
mode indicator turns on. If you pick it up too
slowly, the legs may not become loose. In this case,
keep holding AIBO and push the tail switch away
from AIBO’s head for three seconds.

2 Place AIBO on the floor or push up the tail

switch towards AIBO’s head for three seconds.

AIBO resumes the repetition of the original
sequence of actions: stands up, sits down, lies
down.

49

Symptoms and remedies

If you experience any of the following difficulties, use this table to help you
remedy the problem. Should any problem persist, contact the AIBO Customer
Link (page 8).

Symptom Cause/Remedy

AIBO does not move.

AIBO has been picked up from the floor or an
object is caught in one of AIBO’s joints.

c Place AIBO on the floor and push the tail

switch towards AIBO’s head for three
seconds. AIBO stops moving whenever it is
picked up from the floor (the mode indicator
lights up) or an object is caught in one of

AIBO’s joint (the mode indicator flashes).
The battery pack is drained.
c Charge the battery pack (page 24). When the

battery pack is completely drained, the back

light turns off and AIBO stops moving.

50

AIBO’s ear came off. c Align the center of AIBO’s microphone with

the center of the ear hole, and then press the

holes on the back of AIBO’s ear against the

projections on both sides of the microphone

until the ear snaps into place.

Projections

Symptom Cause/Remedy

AIBO does not react to
release of the pause
button.

Charging of the battery
pack does not start after
connecting the AC
adapter to a wall outlet.

When you press the pause
button, the back light
flashes in orange and
green alternately, and the
beep sound is emitted.

The battery pack is not inserted or it is not fully
inserted.

c Insert the battery pack fully (page 22). Restart

AIBO by pressing the pause button again.
The battery pack is drained.
c Charge the battery pack or replace with the

charged one.
The AC adapter is connected to the charging

terminal of AIBO.
c Disconnect the AC adapter and press the

pause button again.

• The AC adapter is not connected to the AC
adapter conversion plug securely.

c Connect it to the conversion plug securely.

• The AC adapter conversion plug is not
connected to AIBO’s charging terminal
securely.

c Connect it to the charging terminal securely.

• The battery pack is not inserted or it is not
fully inserted.

c Insert the battery pack fully (page 22).

Heat may have built up in the battery pack.
c Wait for a while until the battery pack

becomes cool.

Additional information

51

Symptom Cause/Remedy

52

AIBO continues to emit a
sad melody and does not
move when the pause
button is released.

It takes a long time for
AIBO to start moving.

AIBO tries to walk but it
does not go forward.

AIBO falls often. The floor may be too slippery, inclined or

After picking AIBO up, it
stops moving.

The mode indicator is on
or flashing and AIBO
emits musical tones, but it
does not walk.

• The insertion of a “Memory Stick” without
any AIBO-ware.

• The insertion of a “Memory Stick” that is not
intended for AIBO ERS-31L.

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

The floor may be slippery or the nap of the
carpet is long.

c Place AIBO on a surface that is not too

slippery, such as a carpet with a short nap.

unstable.
c Place AIBO on a flat surface that is not too

slippery.

AIBO stops moving whenever it is picked up
from the floor.

c Check that the mode indicator is on, place

AIBO on the floor, and then push up the tail
switch towards the head for three seconds.

AIBO stops moving whenever it is picked up
from the floor or an object is caught in one of
AIBO’s joints.

c Place AIBO on the floor, and then push up the

tail switch towards the head for three
seconds.

Symptom Cause/Remedy

The back light flashes in
orange.

There may be a problem with the battery pack.
c Check that the battery pack is inserted

correctly. If the flashing of the back light
persists, contact AIBO Customer Link (page

8).

AIBO does not chase the
supplied ball.

The back light does not
turn off when you press
the pause button to make
AIBO pause.

AIBO soon asks for
charging even with a
fully charged battery
pack.

No musical tone is
emitted from AIBO.

When no AIBO-ware “Memory Stick” is
inserted, AIBO responds to the ball, but does not
chase it.

The internal application may not be terminated
normally.

c Remove the battery pack (page 36). Re-insert

the battery pack and press the pause button
again. If the BATT Z latch is inoperable, use
the emergency release hole (page 19).

When the battery pack’s operating time has
become noticeably short, it may have reached its
end of life. Replace it with a new battery pack.

AIBO’s musical tone is muted.
c Adjust the volume level (page 39).

Additional information

53

Limited warranty

SONY ELECTRONICS INC. (“SONY”) warrants this Product and its accessories
against defects in material or workmanship as follows:

1. PRODUCTS: For a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, SONY will, at
its option, either repair or replace the defective parts and/or the Product (
with new or rebuilt replacements. After this one (1) year period, you must pay all parts
and labor charges.

2. ACCESSORIES: For a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase, SONY
will, at its option, either repair or replace defective parts and/or accessories (
adapter and battery pack) with new or rebuilt replacements. After this thirty (30) day
period, you must pay all parts and labor charges.

3. REPAIRS: For a period equal to the longer of (a) the remainder of the original
limited warranty period on the original Product or accessory, or (b) for 90 days after the
date of repair/replacement of Products or for 30 days after the date of repair/
replacement of accessories, SONY will repair or replace defective parts, accessories
and/or Products used in the repair or replacement of Products or accessories under this
Limited Warranty with new or rebuilt replacements.

To obtain warranty service, you must first obtain an event number from AIBO Customer
Link (page 8). You will need to return the Product and all accessories to SONY in the
original carton, using the original packaging materials. All supplied accessories must
be returned with the Product. SONY is not responsible for any damage during shipment
arising from the failure to properly pack the Product or accessory being returned to
SONY or from any damage caused by or resulting from the carrier’s handling. For
information on returning your Product or accessories for warranty repair, please contact
the AIBO Customer Link.

54

This warranty does not cover customer instruction, installation or set up adjustments.

(for the U.S.A. only)

i.e., AIBO)

i.e., AC

This warranty does not cover the cost of removal or reinstallation, cosmetic damage or
damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence of, or to any part of the
Product. This warranty does not cover lost profits, lost sales, loss of use of the Product,
or other consequential loss or damage due to improper operation or maintenance,
installation, connection to improper voltage supply, or attempted repair by anyone other
than a facility authorized by SONY to service the Product. This warranty does not
cover Products sold AS IS or WITH ALL FAULTS, or consumables (such as fuses).
This warranty does not apply when the malfunction results from use of the Product in
conjunction with accessories, products or ancillary or peripheral equipment not
manufactured by SONY, and where it is determined by SONY that there is no fault with
the Product itself.

SONY will pay shipping charges for all in-warranty service. However, if no trouble is
found with the Product or accessory, if the trouble is from a non-covered charge or if it
is determined that the warranty period has expired, you will be billed for the cost of
shipping and handling.

This warranty is valid only in the United States.

Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice which is evidence that
the unit is within the Limited Warranty period must be presented to obtain warranty
service.

This warranty is invalid if the factory applied serial number has been altered or removed
from the Product.

Additional information

55

REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER. SONY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF
ANY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO
THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS
PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, or allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

For your convenience, SONY ELECTRONICS INC. has established telephone numbers
for product information regarding the Entertainment Robot. Please call:

AIBO CUSTOMER LINK
1-800-427-2988

or write to: [e-mail]

Other information about AIBO is also available on the internet site at:
www.aibo.com/

56

Service procedure

1. Contact the AIBO Customer Link. The E-mail address is
[e-mail] and its toll free number is
1-800-427-2988.

2. If the AIBO Customer Link determines that your unit needs repair, follow
the procedure described below.

a. The AIBO Customer Link will give you the event number, which is valid for ten

days.

b. Following the procedure described on the label attached to the box, put AIBO and

the designated accessories into the original box. If you did not keep the original
box, the AIBO Customer Link will send a new box to you free of charge within the
warranty period. The actual shipping and material cost will be charged to you after
the warranty period.

c. Mark your event number on the top of the box and send it to the designated

address. The AIBO Customer Link will designate the shipping method and pay the
shipping charges within the warranty period; after the warranty period, you must
pre-pay the shipping charges.

d. As soon as the repair is completed, your AIBO will be sent back to you. After the

warranty period has expired, the actual shipping cost will be charged to you
together with the repair cost.

3. Please understand that the AIBO Customer Link only accepts credit
cards for all the charges of repair, shipping and material after the
warranty period has expired.

(for the U.S.A. only)

User registration

All users are registered based on information from the purchaser.
If a different person takes over this unit, please inform the “AIBO Customer Link”
of the change.

Additional information

57

Specifications

AIBO

CPU 64-bit RISC processor

Main memory

32MB

Supplied application media

“Memory Stick” for AIBO

Movable parts

Head: 3 degrees of freedom

Leg: 3 degrees of freedom ×4

(15 degrees of freedom in
total)

Inputs Charging terminal

Input switches

VOLUME switch

RESERVED switch

Video input 100,000-pixel CMOS image

sensor

Audio input Stereo microphones

Audio output Speaker

58

Internal sensors

Infrared distance sensor

Acceleration sensor

Switches in the head, on the
tail, and on the paws

Inclination sensor

Vibration sensor

Power consumption

Approx. 5 W (in normal
mode)

Operable duration

Approx. 2.5 hours (when
operated with a fully-charged
ERA-301B1, in normal
mode)

Dimensions Approx. 177 × 280 × 240 mm

(7 × 11 1/8 × 9 1/2 inches) (w/
h/d)

Mass Approx. 1.5 kg (3 lb 5 oz)

(including the battery pack
and the “Memory Stick”)

Operating temperature

5° C to 35° C (41° F to 95° F)

Operating humidity

10 % to 80 % (not
condensed)

Operating wet-bulb temperature

Less than 29° C (84° F )

Storage temperature

–10° C to 60° C (–4° F to
140° F)

Storage humidity

10 % to 90 % (not
condensed)

Storage wet-bulb temperature

Less than 29° C (84° F )

Stand

Dimensions Approx. 109 × 97 × 228 mm

(4 3/8 × 3 7/8 × 9 inches) (w/h/
d)

Mass Approx. 180 g (6 oz)

(including the battery pack
and the “Memory Stick”)

AC adapter

Input 120 V AC, 50 - 60 Hz, 0.75 A

Output 16 V DC, 2.5 A

Operating temperature

5˚C to 35˚C (41˚F to 95˚F)
(temperature gradient less
than 10˚C (50˚F)/hour)

Operating humidity

20% to 80% (not condensed),
provided that humidity is less
than 65% at 35˚C (95˚F)
(wet-bulb temperature: less
than 29˚C (84˚F))

Storage temperature

–20˚C to 60˚C (–4˚ F to 140˚
F) (temperature gradient less
than 10˚C (50˚F)/hour)

Storage humidity

10% to 90% (not condensed)

Dimensions Approx. 60 × 30 × 120 mm

(w/h/d) (Approx. 2 3/8 × 1 3/
× 4 3/4 inches)

Mass Approx. 325 g (11.5 oz.)

Cord length DC cord: Approx. 1.8 m (70

7

/8 inches)

AC power cord: 1.8 m (70 7/
inches)

16

Additional information

8

59

Lithium ion battery pack

Battery used Lithium ion type battery

Main output voltage

7.4 V DC

Capacity 1700 mAh

Operating temperature

5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)
(temperature gradient less
than 10°C (50°F)/hour)

Operating humidity

10% to 80% (not condensed)

Operating wet-bulb temperature

Less than 29°C (84°F)

Storage temperature

–20°C to 60°C (–4°F to
140°F) (temperature gradient
less than 10°C (50°F)/hour)

Storage humidity

10% to 90% (not condensed)

Storage wet-bulb temperature

Less than 35°C (95°F)

Dimensions Approx. 72 × 53.6 × 21 mm

Mass Approx. 112 g (4 oz)

(Approx. 2 7/8 × 2 1/8 × 27/
inches ) (w/h/d)

32

Design and specifications are subject
to change without notice.

Supplied accessories

See page 15.

60

Index

A

AC adapter .................................. 15, 24

AC adapter conversion plug .....15, 24

AIBO

Cleaning ...................................... 45

Handling ..................................... 42

Pausing ........................................35

Starting up .................................. 33

AIBO Customer Link ............. 8, 56, 57

AIBO-ware .........................................14

B

Back light ..................................... 17, 26

BATT Z latch ...............................19, 37

Battery pack

Charging ..................................... 24

Handling ..................................... 44

Inserting ...................................... 22

Insertion slot ...............................19

Replacing .................................... 36

C

Charging terminal ...................... 19, 25

Clinic mode........................................ 46

Color camera ..................................... 17

D

Decorative plate ................................ 20

Distance sensor ................................. 17

E

Emergency release hole ................... 19

Energy Station Core.......................... 27

H

Head ................................................... 17

Head switch .......................................47

Horn light .......................................... 17

M

“Memory Stick”

Access indicator ................... 19, 32

Inserting ...................................... 30

Insertion slot ...............................19

Z button ................................ 19, 32

Removing .................................... 32

Mode indicator ..................................17

P

Pause button ..........................17, 34, 35

Pause mode ............................ 30, 34-36

Paw switches ..................................... 17

Additional information

61

S

Shutter for charging terminal ... 18, 25

Speaker ...............................................17

Stand .............................................15, 20

Stereo microphone ............................ 17

T

Tail switch .......................................... 17

V

Volume level ......................................39

VOLUME switch ......................... 19, 40

62

Designer of AIBO ERS-31L

Katsura Moshino

Artist/Illustrator/Visual Creator

Born in 1968, Katsura Moshino began doing illustration
and artwork for the night club scene in the mid-80s. He
has produced cutting-edge and highly original work in
Japan and abroad in a wide variety of areas, including
CD jackets, music magazines, advertising, product
design, package design, and music video production. His
published collections include “Moshino’s Works for
Girls Studio” (Kawade Shobo).

Printed in Japan

© 2002 Sony Corporation

*466454811

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