Aido has two operating systems powering it. We made a conscious decision to have Android power the interface elements. This ensured that our users would automatically have access to millions of apps from the Google Play store. Aido runs Android Lollipop as its interface layer.

Aido also runs a headless version of Ubuntu on a different set of processor cores to control elements like mobility, WiFi ranging, system guidance, onboard sensors, projectors and more. We will be exposing select APIs for this interface, especially around the sensors for users who would like to play around with controls and data.

Aido has two operating systems powering it. We made a conscious decision to have Android power the interface elements. This ensured that our users would automatically have access to millions of apps from the Google Play store. Aido runs Android Lollipop as its interface layer.

Aido also runs a headless version of Ubuntu on a different set of processor cores to control elements like mobility, WiFi ranging, system guidance, onboard sensors, projectors and more. We will be exposing select APIs for this interface, especially around the sensors for users who would like to play around with controls and data.

Aido comes with an (optional) HD multimedia projector that is designed for multimedia usage.

• The HD multimedia projector (100 lumens) is designed for entertainment buffs. The body projector lets you watch media by projecting it on a wall at a distance of up to 3.5m. Since Aido can move around on its own, you can ask Aido to project media near where you sit, or call your friends over and play a movie to enjoy with your drinks.

Aido boasts a unique dual-tech battery – a lead acid and nickel cadmium hybrid battery, to balance the two requirements of a battery for a device like this – a) it should charge fast and b) it should retain power over long periods of time.

Both battery parts are in hot standby mode. Aido also has a patent pending power management board that lets it switch between the two batteries based on requirements and power load. Aido’s battery should last about 8 hours* on regular usage, including 2 hours* of mobility

Aido has sensors for:

• Air Quality

• Temperature

• Humidity

• Noise

• Ambient Light

• Pressure

• Gravity (4-dimensional G-sensor)

Aido’s air quality sensor measures real indoor pollution rather than just CO2 levels.

The temperature sensor lets you measure and track temperature for each room or area in the house.

Aido’s light sensor tracks intensity of light (in lumens) and duration.

The sensor data can be used in the task automator to trigger functions (Eg: turn heater on when temperature dips below a certain threshold)

Aido can control over 10,000 smart home appliances using Wifi, BLE, ZigBee and Z-Wave*. Aido can talk to various devices*, including:

• DVD/VCR

• CD changer

• Laserdisc player

• Amplifier

• Tape deck

• Game console

• Computer

• Light controller

• Climate controller

• Cable box

• Satellite box

• Smart Cookers

• Refrigerator

• Washing machine

• stoves and more

*Depending on standards supported by the devices. Z-Wave Plus may not be supported in all countries. Please check what standard your device supports. Get back to us if you want any more details.

Aido has a custom built daughter-board that controls all the data, power and sensor information through one central board.

Linux and Android communicate over a secure VPN at all times. If there is a Wi-Fi connection available, both systems connect to it and communicate over this. If there is no Wi-Fi network available, the Linux system acts as a WiFi hotspot and the Android system connects to it as a client.

In the latter mode, Aido will not be able to communicate with Internet based services, but can still run local media and functionality.

Aido uses a combination of technologies to detect obstacles:

• Aido also uses IR and object recognition to build a topographic map of your house, including elements like furniture, doors  & structure of rooms. Aido maintains these in a navigation database. Aido judges the space between obstacles, and if it is sufficient for him to traverse, will plot a path between them.

• When you ask Aido to move, or if Aido needs to patrol, Aido constantly does a frame-by-frame evaluation for moving objects like pets or people. If Aido finds a moving object nearby, he will wait for it to move out of the way before proceeding.

• Aido has sophisticated edge detection built in that prevents it from spinning uselessly when it encounters an intractable obstacle like a staircase. Edge detection also allows Aido to course correct around obstacles like chairs & tables.

The easiest way to charge Aido is to use the optional smart charging dock that lets Aido charge autonomously:

• Aido’s dock has a specially designed set of two charging rings, one of positive polarity and the other negative

• The charging rings are designed in a semi-circular fashion to increase probability of touching Aido’s charging circuits, no matter how Aido rolls into the dock

• The charging rings have special circuitry to prevent a short circuit in case it encounters a foreign object

• Once Aido rolls into the dock, the charging rings are activated and drive charge to Aido.

We chose a ballbot design for Aido’s mobility as it suited the home environment well:

• Balancing Aido on a single ball means it is easy to spin around a central axis, so turning Aido around is much simpler.

• With a single ball base, Aido is able to move out of the way quickly if it bumps into something.

• By balancing forces between Aido’s body and the ball, Aido can navigate floors & even carpets.

With software, we can make sure Aido is balanced when at rest or when moving.

Aido counters sudden changes to its balance (a tilt of more than 8 degrees) with a set of retractable legs that spring out from the base to prevent it from keeling over. Push Aido, and the legs will spring out to provide immediate support. Aido will quickly try to stabilize by itself and draw the legs back in.