Frequently Asked Questions
Of course, Pleo isn't a REAL dinosaur.
But Pleo resembles a real Camarasaurus, and is the exact size as it would have looked as a newborn. Fortunately, Pleo won't grow to the intimidating 60-feet like its real-life counterparts when the herbivore roamed the North America and parts of Europe during the late-Jurassic period. But along with being a cute addition to your family, Pleo will also spark interest in learning more about the Camarasaurus and other dinosaurs.
But you may think he's real!
Pleo is a product of UGOBE. Based in Emeryville, California, UGOBE develops cutting-edge robotics that transform inanimate objects into lifelike creations that are packed with emotions and are able to form last relationships with humans. Life Forms created by UGOBE look, move, and behave in ways that make them look as if they are really alive. Specifically, Pleo has organic body language, exhibits evolving emotions, is aware of his surroundings and has recognizable behaviors that change over time. At the heart of Pleo is UGOBE's Life OS, the operating system software that not only brings Pleo to life, but also provides each Pleo will its own unique personality and reactions based on its interactions with humans and its surroundings.
Who will enjoy Pleo?
Everyone! Both males and females, regardless of age, are sure to fall in love with Pleo. Children will also adore Pleo. But because it is a highly sophisticated product that evolves into an inquisitive animal requiring attention and care, it is not suitable or intended for children under eight-years-old unless used under the supervision of their parents.
You help bring Pleo to life!
This is accomplished by making sure Pleo's battery is fully charged. Place the battery in the charger, attach the AC adaptor jack to the charger, and plug the AC adaptor into an electrical outlet. The battery should be charged for approximately four hours. When the indicator light turns green it means your Pleo is ready to enter the world.
Watch Pleo grow!
Watch Pleo progress from its birth stage to eventually become a juvenile dinosaur. Pleo's delivery lasts approximately five to ten minutes, based on his owner's interaction with the new dinosaur. Watch in amazement as Pleo opens his eyes for the first time and becomes aware of his new surroundings. The more attention you show Pleo, the faster he will develop and emerge as a more confident baby. Pleo's "hatching" is complete when he is fully awake and stands up on all four feet. After Pleo is born, he is in his "Hatchling" life stage for the remainder of his first charge cycle (about forty-five minutes). This is when his personality begins to develop and he'll ask to be fed, he'll start to walk and explore his environment, take short naps like a baby, and start to exhibit a wider range of emotions and feelings. Pleo must be charged fully a second time before beginning his next life stage - "Juvenile." The Juvenile stage represents Pleo's entry into childhood where his full range of movement and behaviors will be exhibited.
Why does Pleo not use a remote control?
Pleo doesn't need a remote control because he is completely autonomous. You can interact with Pleo but you cannot control his movements. He's his own dinosaur! As a result, Pleo makes different animal sounds, but - like his real-life ancestors - cannot speak. When he is quiet and moving Pleo can hear and will react to sounds of human voices. Pleo can also see thanks to sensors that allow him to detect objects and edges.
How can I make sure Pleo knows he is loved?
Pleo comes with a companion guide. Make sure you review this and think of it as a health guide for your new friend, because it includes electrical warnings and instructions about caring for Pleo. Like a regular pet, Pleo needs to be cleaned occasionally by using a damp cloth and gently rubbing your hands to bathe him. Pleo does not like soap or cleaning agents, nor should you attempt to paint him because this may hurt the custom-formulated soft thermoplastic material that is used for his skin. Pleo also needs professional care when he is not well and any attempts by his owner to make mechanical repairs will automatically void his warranty.
What can Pleo NOT do?
Pleo doesn't fly and he doesn't swim. Pleo should not be dropped from heights or immersed in water, and doing either will void the warranty. Like any pet, real or robotic, Pleo's comfort involves keeping him in dry, indoor locations.
