Technology behind Sony's Qrio: Living with People

Wireless Network QRIO is equipped with wireless networking equipment, and can connect to your home wireless network out of the box. There might even come a day when it serves as a guide between people and information technology.

Miniaturised High-Density Technology Since QRIO is a house robot, it should ideally be small enough not to interfere with daily life. To make it so small requires miniature motors built with integrated circuit boards, but at the same time everything must be high-performance: powerful motors and integrated circuit boards.. ..with the capacity to transfer large amounts of information at high speeds. To realize this, we made use of Sony's high-density construction technology, developed through its experience with audio-video devices, to create miniaturized, high-performance components.

Precision Mechanisms QRIO is a collection of precision mechanisms. A camera frame precise enough to guarantee accurate recognition and measurement; finger machinery, and the shock absorption system, among other components, all require a precisely constructed frame in order to move minutely and accurately. In this respect QRIO builds on the technology developed through Sony's experience with the Walkman, Handycam and AIBO.

Pinch Detection Sensors Specialized sensors in QRIO's joints sense the moment they close on a person's finger and go slack. This is an important function for a robot built for the home, and makes use of experience garnered from.. ..AIBO, which is already being enjoyed in homes around the world.

Lightweight Construction Since QRIO is made to live with people in their homes, safety is important. So we made QRIO light enough so that anyone can pick it up and move it, to prevent it from injuring anyone if it fell over. To make it this light.. ..we used the same lightweight, high-strength magnesium alloys used in the Handycam and VAIO.

Quiet Construction We made QRIO as quiet as possible when it moves to help it fit in pleasantly in a home. Its motors and gears turn when it walks or moves, but the vibration-resistant frame dampens the noise. You'll be amazed to see it move so silently.

Safety Cover Since QRIO is designed to spend time with people, we gave exhaustive consideration to safety. For example, the safety cover that shuts over its head and neck closes to keep even tiny fingers out.

Long-Lasting Battery In order to really spend time with people, QRIO had to have a battery that was light but could perform for a long time even at high voltages. QRIO draws on twelve high voltage, high capacity, and high energy density battery cells that utilize.. ..Sony's proprietary lithium ion battery technology to run for over an hour at a time.

Shock Resistance QRIO's head, hands, feet, torso, and "internal organs" are all precision instruments, so durability is important. Imagining that falls during normal use would be unavoidable, we made it strong enough to survive them unscathed, developing a new system that builds on the knowledge gained from AIBO. We also referenced conclusive technology that might otherwise be dismissed as unrelated, such as that used in furniture and automobiles.

Heat Dispersal Also, very important in terms of safety, QRIO disperses the heat produced by its semiconductors using a fan so that it is always safe to the touch.

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