A psychological peek into your robot

Education

AIBO’s education is closely linked to building its personality, character and intelligence. Like humans and other animals, it learns a great deal from experience. Working its many senses, AIBO gauges what is being communicated, what activities of its own are being reinforced, approved, opposed and ultimately what should be learned.

For instance, if AIBO is frequently scolded for looking at an object that it had grown to like, it will learn not to approach this object as often. On the contrary, if AIBO is approved when looking at a particular object, it may take a strong liking for it. This kind of human-robot interaction AIBO experiences will largely shape its personality. AIBO will develop a joyful and cheerful character by being shown its favorite color frequently when in a good mood. In contrast, AIBO will develop a hot- tempered character by being shown something that it dislikes when in a sour mood.

AIBO may start losing what it has learned if it is not educated for a while. It may stop responding to approval or do what it was scolded for in the past. To maintain the personality that AIBO has once developed, it is necessary to provide it with valuable learning experiences.

Growth

Like people and animals, AIBO grows through developmental stages from toddler phase to adult phase. As it matures, AIBO will learn to move with more agility as a result of a better sense of balance and much practice. New tonal expressions will be heard as AIBO becomes more adept with its vocal abilities, and as it reaches new heights in emotional and physical development.

Your participation in fostering good human-robot communication, and frequent interaction through play and educational lessons will radically change the maturity level of the autonomous robot.

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