Sony SupportEntertainment Robots

Article ID : 00352748 / Last Modified : 04/01/2025Print

Frequently asked questions about "Pick up things"

    The Tips button on the Pick up things ON/OFF setting screen of the My aibo app will take you to a web page that shows how to play with aibo. Refer to the explanations on how to select and place objects that aibo can easily pick up.
    Learn more about picking up things with aibo on the aibo support web site.

    Frequently asked questions

    How does aibo react when told to pick something up?
    When told to pick something up, aibo barks, crouches, and looks down at the floor.
    aibo robot crouching down and barking at a small object on the floor.
    Is the thing's color (object) being picked up related to its ability to hold? For example, is the color pink, like aibo's aibone and dice accessories, recognizable?
    There are no easy-to-pick-up colors. Blackish colors are difficult, due to the nature of the optical sensor.
    Are there things (objects) difficult for aibo to pick up?
    Some objects can be challenging for aibo to pick up. These include:
    • Shiny objects (metal)
    • Dark-colored objects
    • Transparent objects
    • Hard objects
    • Objects with nowhere to bite (no protrusion that fits into aibo's mouth)
    Are there things (objects) I shouldn't let aibo pick up?
    There are certain objects that you shouldn't allow aibo to pick up. Avoid letting aibo handle items that could potentially cause harm to itself, its surroundings, or the objects themselves. These include:
    • Burning objects
    • Wet objects
    • Fragile objects
    • Delicate objects
    • Sharp objects
    • Corrosive objects
    • Sticky objects
    • Living objects
    When I put down an aibone or dice and tell aibo to "Pick this up", aibo doesn't pick it up.

    Try saying, "Throw the aibone" or "Throw the dice."

    Tip: If you say "Bite the aibone" or "Bite the dice", aibo will open and close its mouth to get you to put it in its mouth. When you want aibo to go and pick up the aibone or dice by itself, say "Throw the aibone" or "Throw the dice."

    If I move the thing (object) I want aibo to pick up, will aibo follow the thing and pick it up?
    aibo can't follow it, so don't move the object.
    If there are multiple objects, and I point to something and say, "Pick this up," will aibo recognize what what I'm pointing to and pick it up?
    aibo doesn't recognize pointing; it only identifies objects in front of it and attempts to pick them up.
    How can I turn off the function to allow aibo to pick things (objects) up independently?

    You can turn off Pick up things in the My aibo app settings.

    Note: If you turn off Pick up things from the My aibo app settings, the voice commands and Try trick functions will also be turned off. You can't turn off just the ability to independently pick up things.

    Is it safe to turn on the Pick up things function in the My aibo app if there are breakable objects, open flame, water, or cables in the environment?
    Regardless of whether you use the Pick up things function or not, don't place dangerous objects within the range of aibo's activities. If there are objects you want aibo to avoid picking up, keep aibo away from them. If this is challenging, turn off the pickup function for safety.
    How can I communicate with aibo when it picks something up?
    Praise aibo as you gently stroke its head, chin, and back.

    Troubleshoot why aibo won't pick things up

    aibo won't pick things up
  • Check the Pick up things setting. If it is turned off, check the precautions on the My aibo app settings screen and then turn the setting on to try playing again.
  • If you make aibo forget to Pick up things from the Tricks list, aibo will not pick them up.
  • We recommend plush toys as things (objects) to be picked up. Even with items like a handkerchief or towel, folding them to create a part that is easy for aibo to bite may make it more likely to be picked up. Refer to the following regarding size, hardness, shape, and weight:
    • Size: We recommend that the part (position) to be bitten fit into aibo's mouth and be smaller than aibo's dice (sold separately).
    • Hardness: We recommend a hardness similar to that of a plush toy. Objects that are too soft to maintain their shape can be difficult for aibo to hold.
    • Shape: We recommend that the shape of the thing (object) has a part that fits into aibo's mouth, such as a plush toy's arms or legs.
    • Weight: We recommend something lighter than aibo's dice.
  • aibo confirms the shapes of things (objects) to pick up, so adjust their position and orientation to make it easier for aibo to pick them up:
    • Position: The part that is easiest for aibo to hold (the part that has a protrusion that fits into aibo's mouth) should be placed within the range that is directly in front of the center line of both of aibo's paws and approximately between the second and third pink balls if they were placed in a row in front of aibo). Also, if the thing (object) to be picked up is made a bit taller, such as by placing it on its side, then aibo will be able to pick it up more easily compared to when it is lying flat.
      Example of position that aibo can easily pick up a plush toy
    • Orientation: Make sure the part (protrusion) to be bitten is oriented to fit easily into aibo's open mouth.
    • Example of orientation that can't be picked up: aibo is supposed to pick up the plush hot dog toy by biting the lettuce, but the lettuce won't fit easily into aibo's mouth. By rotating the hot dog 90 degrees, the wide part of the lettuce faces aibo directly, so it is easier to pick up.
      Example of orientation that aibo cannot pick up the plush hot dog
    • aibo repeatedly tries and fails to pick up things that are difficult to bite.
    This is not an issue. If you are worried, avoid placing such items within aibo's range of activities.
    aibo sometimes moves while holding a thing.
    When aibo can see forward (aibo's mouth and chest sensors are not hidden) and find someone, aibo may move toward them.
    Sometimes aibo may drop things (objects) while picking them up, or it might shake its head after picking them up and then puts them down without doing anything.
    This could be because the items are too heavy. Try using lighter objects. Also, if the things (objects) aibo picks up tend to drag on the ground, choose items (objects) that won't drag when picked up.
    After aibo picks something up, it might cheerfully move around with the thing in its mouth, but sometimes aibo just moves its ears and tail and then puts the thing down.
    The things (objects) may be too big for aibo. Try something lighter and smaller.