ERS-31X

AIBO ERS-31X is a series of similar AIBOs released in 2001 and 2002. ERS-31X consists of ERS-311 (also known as Latte), ERS-312 (also known as Macaron) and ERS-31L.

History
With the popularity and appeal of robotic pets waning, Sony wanted to appeal to a larger market with their next AIBO. The ERS-311 and ERS-312 launched at $850 USD, significantly lower than any previous AIBO's price point. Released shortly after the announcement of the ERS-311 and ERS-312 Bluetooth Latte and Macaron, the ERS-31L was released, marketed as a true-to-form "budget AIBO".

Reception
The initial reaction to the LM series was rather poor in the west; common criticisms being that it was "too cute" or "looked like a toy for kids". Despite the relatively negative reaction in US and EU communities, the LM series was well recieved in Japan, and is estimated to be the 3rd best selling model.

Design
The ERS-311, ERS-312, and ERS-31L, as well as much of the series' AIBOWARE box art, was designed by Katsura Moshino in conjunction with the Entertainment Robot team at Sony. Internally, the ERS-312, ERS-311, and ERS-31L are identical. The ERS-31X took a very different direction from the past two models in terms of design. While the older models relied on sharp angles and a distinctly robotic look, the ERS-31X is more round, and resembles a dog more than it's predecessors. The robots no longer had the 'visor' that had come to be standard for AIBO and were instead replaced by a static face. The "horn light" on the top of it's head indicates AIBO's mood, with the mode indicator light behind it. The distance sensor is shaped like a nose, and the camera is located inside of the mouth. It has a short tail is actually a joystick that serves for putting the robot in various modes. Sound design on the ERS-31X series was developed by Nobukazu Takemura.

Software
See: AIBOWARE

Lights
Aside from gestures and voices, the horn and back lights will also tell you how your AIBO is doing.

Trivia
In Japan, the ERS-31X is sometimes referred to as a bear cub or "kuma-chan" due to the round, cuddly appearance.

ERS-31X models have a switch in the battery compartment labelled "RESERVED". This switch would later enable Bluetooth for ERS-31XB models. The switch has no function for non-bluetooth releases.

When deciding what material to use for the suede touch, Sony required it to be soy sauce resistant.

There was a costumed mascot suede character named Detective Suede-chan (デカスエちゃん) who would sometimes appear at AIBO events for fans to pose and photograph their AIBOs with.

Troubleshooting
See: Troubleshooting (3x)

ERS-311
The ERS-311 (also known as Latte) was an AIBO model first introduced by Sony in 2001. The ERS-311 was often marketed along side the ERS-312.

Models
The ERS-311 had a second Bluetooth release, modifying the headboard in the robot to include a bluetooth chip and added support for bluetooth AIBOware, namely Hello AIBO! Chatty and Chatty Life. The bluetooth AIBO release coincided with the Handy Viewer, an interface for the Bluetooth-based AIBO software.

Special Editions
In 2002, the ERS-311B/X was released with a 'suede touch'. This AIBO was demonstrated at AIBO EXPO 2002 in tandem with the Handy Viewer.

Suntory
In 2005, shortly before the release of MIND 3 and the ERS-7M3, the Japanese beverage company Suntory held a contest for the distribution of the ERS-311B/C, 300 exclusive Bluetooth Latte models, in a lottery. The release featured 100 Lattes with a red collar and red ears, 100 Lattes with a blue collar and blue ears, and 100 Lattes with a yellow collar and yellow ears. The campaign also awarded AIBO-themed t-shirts as runner-up prizes.

Oolong Tea
In April of 2002, a special edition 'Long Long Panda' AIBO suit and ERS-311 Latte were raffled with Suntory brand Oolong Tea. 1,001 units were available.

ERS-312
The ERS-312 (also known as Macaron) was an AIBO model first introduced by Sony in 2001 alongside the ERS-311. The ERS-312 was marketed alongside the ERS-311.

Models
The ERS-312 mirrored the Bluetooth release of the ERS-311.

ERS-31L
The ERS-31L was the cheapest AIBO released at a price under 700 dollars. It included AIBO Pal, making the ERS-31L the first AIBO release since the ERS-111 to feature complete software in the default package.

Reception
Akin to its sister models, the ERS-31L's reception was mixed. The reasonable price was praised, but of note was its rather unconventional "pug" design that did not appeal greatly to the majority of consumers. Which has made this model become quite rare, alongside ERS-110 and ERS-220. Regardless, the ERS-31L hasaggregated somewhat of a cult following.