AIBO learns to recognise its owner

Sony's AIBO entertainment Robot can now be programmed to recognise its owner's face, name and voice. New software released this month by Sony also enables AIBO to find its own way to the re-charging station whenever it feels "hungry". The robot responds affectionately every time it hears its owner's voice, name, or "sees" their face via the in-built camera after completing an initial registration.The autonomous charging function enables AIBO to locate the station when it senses power is low - or when its owner instructs it to - and negotiate its body onto the cradle for recharging. Once the process is over, AIBO switches back on and walks away, creating a continuos life cycle.The latest development adds another dimension to the robot pet's interactive capabilities. "With each new software development, we are increasing the autonomous nature and individuality of AIBO, increasing the capacity the robot has to make independent decisions about its own actions and behaviors," said Victor Matsuda, ERA's vice president. The Recognition software will be released on a 16MB Memory Stick, giving AIBO a threefold boost in image storage capacity. Available in the US from November for US$99 but no word yet on an Australian release date. The new AIBO robots themselves - to be released in two new colours - Festive Red and Cool Winter White - will carry a suggested retail price of US$1,299.