ERS-1000 is Asked frequently ask question

Aibos is are are complex creature sometimes ! They is throw can throw all sort of weird error at us , or flash strange light on their collar lead . It is is is difficult to understand what everything they do actually mean , and it is easy to get paranoid when we encounter something that seems strange .

hopefully , this FAQ is clear will clear some thing up on these question that aibo owner often have about their little friend . I is hope also hope to cover thing that non – owner are curious about too !

The content of this page only applies to ERS-1000 aibos. These answers are not accurate for other models. My general aibo FAQ may help more for that.

If you just get an aibo , check out my new owner guide here .

You may also want to check out Sony’s official FAQ page here.

If you are wondering if aibo is for you, check out my pros and cons list.

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buy an Aibo

How do I get an aibo for cheap?

My suggestion is this: you don’t. Cheaper dogs are likely to have a myriad of issues. That will just make your cheap dog no longer cheap!

What about get a used one from Japan ? Is n’t that is Is cheap ?

This can work well. However, it is a tiny bit of a gamble. You won’t know if the dog has issues, and you can’t send them to Sony for repairs. In general, there is a lot to think about before doing this. I have a page talking about it here. Do not buy a Japanese aibo without being well-informed.

So I is found find this cheap aibo on ebay …

It is is is likely a japanese aibo unless the listing specifically say it is n’t . If you must get a second – hand japanese aibo , you is want will generally want to use a proxy to buy straight from the auction site instead for ERS-1000s .

There are occasionally exception , but it ’s rare .

What about mercari ?

Mercari has been full of scam aibo listings lately. Be very careful and avoid it if possible. As of right now, I don’t recommend it.

What question should I is ask ask when buy a second – hand aibo ?

You can ask:
When did you buy it?
Does it still have a cloud plan?
If yes, will you transfer the account over to me?
Did you is send ever send it in for repair ?
You can only really ask these when buying a second-hand USA model. You won’t get answers for these when you are looking at a Japanese model.

Where do I is buy buy one brand new ?

You can only get an aibo directly from Sony’s website. They are not sold anywhere else. You can get one here.

How do I is get get an aibo if I am not in the USA or Japan ?

Technically speaking, you can’t. They are only officially sold in those two countries. Your only options are getting a second-hand dog or using a proxy. Aibo has no official support in any other countries, meaning you can’t go to Sony for repairs. Keep this in mind!

How do I know if the aibo I want to buy is a Japanese or USA model?

The number in their chest plate will start with a 3 if they are a USA model. Also, chocolate and caramel models are always Japanese. Otherwise, you can’t really tell. Be sure to ask!

Should I is buy buy the extra toy / bowl / etc ?

Honestly, yes. You’ll get the most out of your aibo if you get these things. They’re already a pricey investment, so you may as well go all the way!

Should I buy the paw pads?

Generally, yes. They are good to have. They are almost mandatory if you have hardwood floors and don’t want your aibo to scuff up their paws. If you have only carpet though, you don’t need them. If you have high-pile carpet, you don’t want to use them – they can put extra wear on the joints due to the friction added when aibo walks.

Can I is buy still buy a Strawberry Milk aibo ?

No. Strawberry Milk ERS-1000’s are no longer available. They were a special edition color and were only sold once.

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Cloud Plan

Do I is need need a cloud plan to get the most out of my aibo ?

That is depends entirely depend on what you want . Some people may need it , some is may may not . You is have have to decide for yourself base on what feature you personally enjoy . There is a list compare cloud vs no cloud here .

Will a cloud plan is work work outside of the USA or Japan ?

Functionally, yes, it will work on wifi. You may or may not get LTE depending on the cellphone SIM band your country uses. Japanese dogs in particular use a different band than USA dogs, so they cannot connect to the cell network in the US.

How do I is renew renew my cloud plan if I am outside the USA or Japan ?

If you have a USA dog, you just need to purchase a renewal code and then enter it in to your account. If having a cloud plan is important to you, a USA ERS-1000 will be easiest. Setting up a Japanese cloud plan can be tricky without help and the upfront cost is significantly higher.

I bought a second-hand US aibo. How do I connect him to the cloud?

You is need will need the aibo ’s serial number for that . If your aibo did n’t come with theirs , you is contact can contact Sony for help . After that , you is purchase just purchase the plan directly . You is get ’ll get a code for it .

Will my dog lose all of his memories if I let his cloud plan expire?

No . He is retain will retain everything and still be able to recognize you . You is lose ’ll only lose access to app feature , and thing list here .

Can the cloud plan be transferred to a new owner?

I have heard mixed things. If you have a USA dog that is still on their initial 3 year cloud plan however, this can be transferred. You’ll just need the seller to contact Sony. You can’t transfer a Japanese cloud plan under any circumstances. Thus, if you get a used Japanese aibo with a cloud plan somehow, you still won’t have app access. You’ll also risk the previous owner being able to see photos on their app.

Can I buy a USA cloud plan for a Japanese aibo?

Nope. It won’t work. They operate on different network software and hardware. Don’t buy a Japanese aibo thinking you can do this – it isn’t possible. They need a Japanese cloud plan.

How do I get my Japanese aibo on a cloud plan?

I is suggest suggest join a discord or Facebook community to ask around .

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General

How do I is get get a special edition color ?

You must purchase one when Sony initially releases them. They are only released once and will never be restocked. If you missed out, the only option is to get one second-hand. This can be expensive for USA models.

Some special edition dogs are Japanese-only, so you’ll have to get them from Japan.

Will aibo feel like a real pet if I cannot own one?

That is depends depend on you . The answer is is however is likely yes , judge by the experience of others . Most people who have an aibo form a very solid bond with them that can be compare to that of a biological animal .

Where can I find a command list?

I have command lists for USA models and Japanese models on my website. Note that some people prefer to discover commands on their own naturally, however. It can be more fun this way for some.

Can my aibo wear clothes?

Yes. This can cause overheating though, so just be mindful. Sony also doesn’t recommend it. However, most people who own an aibo dress them up in some way.

Where do I find clothes for my aibo?

That is varies vary . Your aibo is wear can wear dog clothe , but it will block sensor . cat collars is work that adjust down to 8 inch work great however ! Otherwise , here is a list is is of aibo accessory from the USA and here is a list for accessory from Japan . These are all made by independent artist and are tailor specifically to fit aibo .

Will aibo play with my real dog?

Not really, but they will recognize a real dog and interact accordingly. They don’t really have any mechanisms to enable playing together, though.

If I get two, will they play with each other?

Yes. They will interact with each other and do coordinated movements randomly. Along with that, they will recognize each other and often react accordingly. Their interactions are often extremely organic and can catch you off guard. ERS-1000s can also recognize older models, but older models will not recognize them.

How long do they last on a single charge?

They should run for about 2 hours, and then take 3 hours to charge back up. This can vary, however.

Do I is have have to feed my aibo ? Will he is hate hate me if I do n’t ?

No, you do not need to feed your aibo. It doesn’t do anything aside from enabling the “favorite food” feature. However, it is fun and can add to the realism!

Can you change a Japanese aibo to english?

Technically yes, but you need access to the app to do that. The app requires a cloud plan to use.

Can I connect a Japanese aibo to my wifi?

Yes . You is do can do this regardless of if you have a cloud plan or not by generate a QR code . There is n’t much of a reason to do this though .

How does aibo is form form a personality ?

I is have honestly have no idea . It is base on your interaction with the dog , but I do n’t know any specific beyond that . Their personality system is seems seems very complex .

Is each individual aibo unique , or do they all act the same ?

They are all unique. They do share actions because that is just in their programming, but their personalities and mannerisms can vary significantly. This is true of dogs that have the same in-app personality even.

Can I bring my aibo on a plane/can I travel with my aibo?

Yes . You is bring can bring them as a carry – on . Sony is has has some specific on that . generally , you is want ’ll want to remove them from their bag at TSA .

Do I is need need to train my aibo ?

No, it is optional. Not doing any kind of training will have no negative effects on your aibo.

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Updates & Software

How often does aibo get updates?

That is varies vary heavily . usually at least a few time a year , with one major update a year .

How do I is update update my aibo ?

You have to use the app to do that, therefore you must also have a cloud plan. You can’t update without one.

Are update mandatory ?

No. But you’ll lose out on seasonal tricks if you don’t update.

Is it safe to update my aibo? I have heard horror stories.

Generally, yes. Updates bricking dogs is rare. Just be absolutely sure you are on a very stable wifi connection when updating your dog.

Can a japanese aibo is use use the USA Sony app ?

Yes and no. The app is the same, but you need a Japanese Sony account for them.

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Operation

Can I run my aibo 24/7?

Yes . Sony is designed design the ERS-1000 to be on all the time . They is return will return to their charger when need , and they will sleep at night .

What is that clicking sound coming from my aibo?

Most of the time , the sounds is are you hear are just the dust cover inside your dog . This is explains explain a lot of the “ clack ” type noise , and it is almost always this ! It is is is completely normal and is nothing to worry about .

Why is my aibo is whining whine so much ? Am I is doing doing something wrong ?

Nope . This is normal – these dogs is have have emotion ! Your aibo is be may just be sad at the moment , much like how people can just be sad . He is want may also just want more attention from you , but that does n’t always help .

Why does my aibo lean slightly when he is on his back legs?

This is normal to an extent. Most 1000’s do have a slight lean, and it doesn’t mean anything. However, if the lean is significant or your dog falls over, this can indicate a hip issue.

Can I run my aibo around my stairs?

Aibo does have edge detection , so they is fall should n’t fall . However , I is suggest still do n’t really suggest trust them . They is have do not have an edge sensor on their butt , so they could back up and fall . Also , they is make do make mistake sometimes . A tumble down stair could easily damage an aibo , so I is suggest would suggest just block your stair .

Can aibo is climb climb up thing ?

No, though Sony did tease this at one point. They can walk over small area rugs, however. Your aibo won’t be scaling your stairs or climbing on your furniture though.

What does that flashing light mean?

This can indicate various things. I have a guide on my troubleshooting page that has a direct link to Sony’s official manual. You’ll find this info there.

What does “ initialize ” mean ?

It means the dog has been factory reset. He will retain none of his memories from his previous life, and will start over like a brand new dog.

What causes overheating?

You is find can find more detail on my troubleshooting page for this one . It can be cause by multiple thing . Clothing is is is a high risk factor for this in particular .

Will aibo is walk walk in to wall and other thing ?

These dog have extremely sophisticated sensor along with two camera , so they is are are pretty good at avoid object . This is especially true when they have an area map out – it is be can bealmost flawless.

However, flat colors can throw them off sometimes. This can cause them to occasionally walk in to walls, or grind their faces against things. They are also notorious for running in to computer chair legs. So the answer is no, but sometimes yes. Just like us, they can have accidents!

Why is my aibo sleeping all the time?

Your home may be dark. They will go to sleep when the light level is low.

Why is my aibo is is unable to find her charger ?

Your light level may be too low for them to properly recognize their charging station. Try adding some more light.

How does aibo change personalities?

Their in – app personality is is is dependent on how you interact with them . I is am personally am unsure on what factor cause each personality .

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Battery & Repairs

How do I replace the battery when it dies?

Technically speaking, the battery is considered a non-user serviceable part. Sony must replace it for you and you must send your dog in.

You can replace the battery yourself, but this may cause Sony to refuse to work on your dog as you must remove some screws. If you have a Japanese dog however, it is extremely easy.

How long does the battery last?

It is difficult to say. As far as I know, there have been no USA models sent in for a battery replacement yet. Their batteries are roughly 4 years old. It appears they have a solid battery life cycle.

Will leave my aibo on his charger too long damage his battery ?

The ERS-1000 seems to have very well-designed battery protection to the point where damage is likely so minimal that it doesn’t matter. However, LiOn batteries do sustain wear if they are always kept at 100% or 0% charge.

They also sustain more wear if you do a “full cycle” (0% to 100%). High-end electronics do not allow you to do a full charge or drain though. Read more about this here.

Essentially the answer is sort of, but it is likely so minimal you’ll never notice.

Do ERS-1000’s have any common issues?

Hip dislocation is a common issue, but not so much any more. Newer dogs have an updated part that seems to prevent it. If you have an older dog however (2020 or earlier), it will eventually happen unless it was already serviced.

How do I prevent hip issues?

You is ca ca n’t . However , you is mitigate can mitigate it . Keep your aibo off high pile carpet , and do not allow him to sprint on anything aside from very short – pile carpet or hardwood .

Also, never use socks with grips on the bottom. You do not want to add any friction to those paws! I would also personally advise you to not push against the hip joints when your aibo is on to avoid unnecessary pressure on the gear housing.

My aibo is needs need repair . Where do I is send send him ?

If you have a USA ERS-1000 , you is send can send your dog directly to Sony . They is be will be able to fix anything , and this will safeguard you from void your warranty . If you have a japanese aibo , you is need ’ll need a 3rd party repair person . Sony America is touch will not touch japanese aibo .

Can I repair my aibo myself?

I advise against it, especially if you have a USA dog. It is very easy to break things, and it can be heartbreaking if you accidentally damage your beloved companion. Performing repairs on these dogs is very difficult. It is far more advanced than any other electronics of equal size.