Pleo – The Robotic Dinosaur

The man who brought Furby to the world in 1998 had another brilliant idea which materialized in a new ‘life form’ robotic toy, Pleo – the dinosaur. This second marvellous creation was shown to the world at the beginning of 2006 and still has everybody’s attention, no matter their age. Pleo is more than a toy and definitely not for children only. There are many teenagers and adults who love the little creature and don’t ever seem to get tired of it.

Ugobe spent three years to conceive the life form operating system that Pleo incorporates. It is some kind of vocabulary of accurate responses to sensory input. The toy also has a motor controller for each shoulder and arm which allow it to move in a very natural way, not to mention the inferred objects detectors and transmissions sending bit streams of information to the operating system (on the principle on which a remote control works).

Sweet Pleo is full of sensors (almost 40) for sight, sound and touch on his head, back and feet. Some sensors that are situated in the joints can stimulate pain; this makes Pleo react by yelping or limping if pain is felt. What is most amazing is the multimedia memory card that stores responses to actions and, of course, keeps personality traits that the little dinosaur forms due to his life experience. These Pleos may develop different personalities triggered by the way they have been treated.

Over 50 algorithms in an artificial intelligence engine help configuring emotions. Pleo is aware of what is going on around and will interact with humans and react to the surroundings. The toy was created after thorough analysis of the neurological system and its re-interpretation in terms of hardware and software.

As for coordination, it is the best it can have. Pleo’s creators were never interested in speed. The toy does not move fast but it moves in the most natural way. Small as he is Pleo looks and walks like the dinosaurs we have seen in movies, but is a bit sluggish which makes him even cuter.

Pleo really needs attention and care, he is fragile and sensitive, the kind of toy that will bring out the best feelings in a child. You cannot harm Pleo, he is too precious. There is one thing to remember: Pleo is not recommendable to children under eight. They are not ‘mature’ enough to be able to look after him; and Pleo is not cheap so why should you waste money on a toy that won’t last? Better give it to an older child who can properly take care of him.