ROBIE Sr. · Public User Manual · Revised October 21, 2026
Talk to Robie. This is what he hears.
Everyday voice commands, iPhone Remote controls and audio monitoring, conversation, camera use, movement, weather and owner-authorized memory. Use the sections below to find a command and learn what to expect.
Public edition · Revised October 21, 2026 — Unit-specific identifiers, private owner controls, credentials, and service procedures are not included. Please read Safety, privacy and legal notices before use.
Tag key:⚠ Safety-sensitive Motor/shutdown/watch cleanup commands◎ Camera Vision, media, Watch, and object commands🔒 Privacy Owner-only memory and identity commands✓ Owner-onlyMode Active context matters
Operating Modes
AI Mode
Command Mode
Walkabout
Keep Watch
Owner/Memory Mode
iPhone Remote
Robie operates across six practical contexts, including the separate iPhone Remote Mode. AI Mode is the default conversational state and now includes bounded conversational curiosity plus command-only Interview Mode. Command Mode gives direct motor control and allows the active direction to be sped up or slowed down while Robie keeps listening for STOP. Walkabout is explicit, command-only roaming with sensor redirects, no timed session cap, and a wake-word-free stop listener. Keep Watch is silent motion-triggered monitoring. Owner/Memory Mode protects personal memory, speaker identity actions, and owner-only idle curiosity. iPhone Remote allows local manual control, explicitly entered with the app POWER switch; it does not compose AI replies or automatically write Remote activity to episodic memory. Recently completed Remote speech can briefly inform a later conversation.
Quick Reference
Current build: Revised for installed ROBIE v10.12.17, using the October 20 build record. Normal-use evaluation of the latest idle behavior, gestures and conversation continues; the limits described below remain relevant.
The most-used commands at a glance. Best tab to keep open during testing.
Say
Robie does
Mode / sensitivity
iPhone POWER ON / OFF
Enters/leaves local Remote Mode; deliberate transitions use a small acknowledgement wiggle rather than speech
REMOTE App control (not voice)
POV CAMERA / PHOTO
Camera starts OFF; turn it ON to view the live feed and enable a high-resolution photo saved to the iPhone
◎ CAMERA Remote app only
AUDIO ON / OFF
Streams Robie’s microphone to the iPhone during Remote Mode; turn monitoring off when finished
REMOTE App control (not voice)
TEXT / VOICE
Speaks literal typed or iPhone-transcribed words using ROBIE’s voice
REMOTE Literal speech; brief temporary context
hello
Local greeting
AI
goodbye
Goodbye sequence / sleep
CMDAI
shutdown
Requests goodbye/spin and shutdown; offline voice shutdown is unreliable
⚠ SAFETYAI
command mode
Enters movement command mode
AI
exit
Leaves command mode
CMD
what time is it?
Reports the current local time from Robie's synchronized system clock
AI Local reply
what is today's date?
Reports the current local day and date
AI Local reply
what is the date and time?
Reports the current local day, date, and time together
AI Local reply
where are you?
Reports Robie's selected city and timezone
AI Local reply
set your location to [city]
Looks up a city and asks for owner confirmation before changing Robie's location
✓ OWNER Internet required
tell me the weather
Reports current conditions, temperature, feels-like temperature, daily high/low, and precipitation chance
AI Weather only
what's tomorrow's weather?
Reports tomorrow's conditions, high/low, and precipitation chance for the selected location
AI Local forecast
give me the five-day forecast
Reports a concise forecast for today and the following four days
AI Local forecast
what do I have today? / what's my itinerary?
Reads today's entries from the owner's Calendar
✓ OWNER Read-only
what's on the schedule for tomorrow?
Checks the requested day's Calendar entries
✓ OWNER Read-only
do I have an appointment on Saturday?
Checks Saturday's Calendar entries; it does not infer event type from a title
✓ OWNER Read-only
when is my [event]? / where is my [event]?
Looks for an upcoming named Calendar event
✓ OWNER Read-only
how are you
Short casual reply
AI
what are you doing
Short activity reply
AI
how are you feeling
Short status-style reply, including autonomy status
AI
status report
Detailed system report, including autonomy status
AI
that helped / that didn't help
Records owner feedback about the recent answer; Robie may ask a bounded follow-up
✓ OWNER Not required after every answer
please keep your answers brief
Records a response-style preference
✓ OWNER
battery status
Reports Robie's main battery and the Bluetooth microphone battery or connection state
AI
Bluetooth microphone battery
Reports both battery systems, including the microphone percentage when connected
AI
environment check
Reports internal sensor readings followed by local weather
AI Combined report
air analysis
Runs deeper air analysis
⚠ SAFETYAI
what do you see
Captures a fresh scene image, describes it with grounded visual awareness, and stores it as the current visual reference
◎ CAM May ask one visual question
what did you see last
Describes the most recent scene photo without taking a new one
◎ CAM
look at the last image again
Re-analyzes the current visual reference without capturing a new image
◎ CAM
tell me more about the last image
Uses stored detailed visual context from the latest scene photo
◎ CAM
take a photo
Saves timestamped photo locally
AI
record a video
Records short video locally
AI
send it to me
Emails newest saved camera media
AI
email that / send that / transcribe that
Emails the most recent completed AI answer as text with its exact spoken audio recording attached
✓ OWNERAI
draw a picture and send it
Takes a fresh photo, redraws it in a childlike pencil/crayon style, and emails the drawing
◎ CAMAI
interview me / interview me about [topic]
Starts command-only Interview Mode and asks one question at a time
AI Every speaker
stop the interview / end interview mode
Ends Interview Mode
AI
curiosity mode on / off
Temporarily enables or disables all automatic curiosity systems
AI
erase media
Deletes saved camera media
⚠ SAFETYAI
stop
Requests an immediate motor stop
⚠ SAFETYCMD
go forward / back / left / right
Manual movement in command mode
⚠ SAFETYCMD
faster / go faster / slower / go slower
Adjusts the active Command Mode movement by one bounded speed step
Inspects a presented object; if the main object is unclear, may request a steadier view and take one automatic retake
◎ CAM At most two photos per request
examine / analyze this
Records a short object video, analyzes key frames, and may ask one grounded question
◎ CAM Visual curiosity
tell me more
Uses recent object-inspection context
AI
describe yourself
Fuller Robie description
AI
ROBIE Remote · iPhone Controller
A dedicated, supervised local-control interface. The reference screenshot and the controls below describe supervised use; newer audio controls may not appear in the screenshot.
ROBIE Remote on iPhone. This earlier reference screenshot shows the POV camera switched ON; a new Remote session starts with the camera OFF. The current app also includes Audio Monitor controls described below.
Control Robie with the iPhone
ROBIE Remote is a local-network iPhone controller for supervised manual movement, camera viewing, photographs, microphone monitoring, and spoken messages. It is not a conversational AI interface.
Connect: Use the iPhone on the local network that can reach Robie. Merely opening the app does not put Robie in Remote Mode.
POWER ON: Move the app's POWER switch to ON. Robie acknowledges explicit entry with a small wiggle, not a spoken announcement. Normal microphone conversation is paused during Remote Mode.
Drive: Press and hold a direction arrow to move; release to request STOP. Keep Robie in sight and clear of stairs, edges, pets, and people. Collision sensors start armed.
Camera: The POV CAMERA switch starts OFF. Turn it ON to see the live feed. PHOTO is available only while the POV camera is ON, and saves the captured image to the iPhone Photos library.
Speak: TEXT makes Robie read your typed words aloud in his regular voice. VOICE transcribes speech on the iPhone and has Robie say the recognized text. Neither feature asks his AI to compose a response.
Audio Monitor: While Remote Mode is active, use the app’s AUDIO control to turn live microphone monitoring ON or OFF. You hear Robie’s microphone on the iPhone. This is a listening feed, not an AI conversation. Turn it OFF when you no longer need it; leaving Remote Mode stops the stream and returns the microphone to ordinary conversation.
POWER OFF: Switch Remote Mode OFF to return to normal AI operation. Robie acknowledges a deliberate exit with a small wiggle.
Safety — SENSOR OVERRIDE Collision sensors are armed by default. The center SENSOR OVERRIDE option is temporary and removes a safety layer while enabled; use it only with clear sightlines and an unobstructed area. Override resets when Remote Mode ends or the session disconnects. Lost communication triggers a software STOP request independently of the iPhone sending STOP. Watch for the robot to stop: a software request does not prove that physical motion has ended. Audio streaming does not keep the control heartbeat alive.
Privacy and behavior: Remote movement, photos and literal TEXT/VOICE submissions are not automatically saved as episodic conversation or learning evidence. The submission itself does not ask the AI for a reply. Audio Monitor sends live microphone audio to the iPhone; tell people nearby when it is active.
After Remote speech: Once you return to ordinary conversation, Robie may acknowledge a line he just finished saying through TEXT or VOICE and identify it as operator-supplied Remote speech. Up to four completed lines are available for up to five minutes in temporary memory. Restart clears them; they are not a record of a human reply or proof of lasting learning. A later genuine conversation continues to follow the usual owner-memory rules.
Use Remote only over a trusted connection configured for your robot. Network reachability is not proof of who is operating the app. Continue to supervise the robot even while listening through Audio Monitor.
Core Modes
Wake, sleep, shutdown, command mode entry/exit, live date/time, and Robie identity Offline spoken shutdown has a known unresolved fault
⚠ Shutdown noteThe shutdown command requests the goodbye/spin sequence and shutdown. Spoken shutdown while offline has a known unresolved fault. Do not rely on a voice request as your only way to stop or power down Robie. Keep access to the physical motor kill switch and follow the supplied power-down instructions.
helloLocal greeting
AI
▶
hellohi
Local greeting
AI mode
goodbyeGoodbye sequence / sleep
AI + CMD
▶
goodbyebyethe byethe by
Goodbye sequence / sleep
AI / command mode
shutdownRequests goodbye/spin and shutdown; offline voice shutdown is unreliable
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
shutdownshut downplease shut downshut down pleaseRobie shut downokay shut downOK shut downso shut down
Requests goodbye/spin and shutdown; offline voice shutdown is unreliable
AI / exact voice command
Any phrase containing command/control modeEnters movement command mode
AI
▶
Any phrase containing control mode, command mode, or man mode
Enters movement command mode
AI
exitLeaves command mode
CMD
▶
exitconversation modeexit control modeexit command modeexit mode
Leaves command mode
Command mode
what time is it?Reports the current local time
AI
▶
timecurrent timewhat time is itwhat is the timewhat's the timetell me the time
Reports the current time in Robie's selected timezone.
AI
what is today's date?Reports the current local day and date
AI
▶
datetoday's datewhat date is itwhat is the datetell me today's datewhat day is itwhat day is todaywhat day of the week is it
Reports the current local weekday, month, and date.
AI
what is the date and time?Reports the current local date and time together
AI
▶
date and timewhat is the date and timewhat date and time is ittell me the date and timewhat is today's date and timewhat day and time is it
Reports the selected location's current weekday, date, and time in one reply.
AI
where are you?Reports Robie's selected city and timezone
AI
▶
where are youwhat city are you inwhat city are we inwhat is your current locationwhat location are you usingwhat time zone are you in
Reports the fully qualified selected location and its timezone.
AI / every speaker
set your location to [city]Looks up and stages a travel-location change
✓ OwnerAI
▶
set your location to [city]set location to [city]change your location to [city]change location to [city]
Looks up a fully qualified city and timezone, then asks for a clear yes/no confirmation.
AI / owner only
return to your home locationRestores Robie's configured home location
✓ OwnerAI
▶
return to your home locationreturn to home locationgo back to your home locationset your location to homeuse your home location
Restores Robie's configured home city and timezone.
describe yourselftell me about yourselftell me who you arewho are youwhat are youwhat can you dowhat do you dowhat kind/sort of robot are youtell me what you areexplain what you are
Using this feature: Use shutdown only when you intend to power down the robot. Keep physical access nearby. Location changes require owner confirmation; declining leaves the existing location unchanged.
Conversation & Curiosity
Conversational questions, commanded visual follow-ups, autonomous camera observations, explicit Interview Mode, and permission-based idle questions Conversational, reactive visual, and interview features work for everyone; autonomous visual and idle curiosity are owner-only
Five deliberately different behavioursConversational curiosity may add one relevant question to a normal answer and, after a meaningful reply, one deeper probe. Reactive visual curiosity may add a grounded observation or question when someone explicitly asks Robie to look. Autonomous visual curiosity may quietly capture the room after an eligible owner conversation and speak only when something worthwhile supports one grounded question. Interview Mode asks one question at a time but begins only after an explicit command. Idle curiosity may approach only the owner during a quiet conversational lull and must ask permission before posing its actual question.
🔒 Speaker privacyGuests may receive conversational and commanded visual follow-ups and may use Interview Mode, but their current-session conversation does not gain access to the owner’s private facts, open loops, or episodic memory. Autonomous visual curiosity and idle curiosity never activate for a guest speaker.
conversational curiosityMay ask one relevant question and one deeper probe
AI
▶
No activation phrase. This is normally enabled for every active speaker during ordinary AI conversation.
After fully answering, Robie may end with exactly one short question relevant to what the speaker just said. If the speaker gives a clear, meaningful answer, Robie may acknowledge it and ask exactly one more specific question about a detail in that answer.
AI conversation / every speaker
reactive visual curiosityShows grounded awareness of what Robie was asked to see and may ask one visual question
◎ CameraAI
▶
what do you seewhat is in front of youlook at thisinspect thisexamine thisanalyze thisanalyse this
Describes visible facts and, when clearly supported, adds one cautious observation about what appears notable, useful, unusual, or relevant. He may then ask exactly one short question grounded in visible evidence.
Scene View, Object Inspect, and Object Examine / every speaker
autonomous visual curiosityMay notice the surroundings and begin one grounded conversation
◎ Camera✓ Owner onlyAI
▶
There is no activation phrase. After an eligible completed owner AI-conversation turn and a quiet period, Robie may run one background visual-curiosity attempt.
Briefly pulses his eyes, captures one temporary image, and analyzes it in the background. He speaks only when the image contains a worthwhile, clearly visible detail: a short “I notice...” observation followed by one grounded question. Otherwise he remains silent.
AI / authorized owner only / automatic
interview meStarts command-only Interview Mode
AI
▶
interview meinterview me about [topic]ask me questionsask me some questionsask me questions about [topic]start interviewstart an interviewstart interview modestart interview mode about [topic]
Begins interviewing the current speaker, briefly acknowledges each response when appropriate, and asks exactly one concise next question per turn.
AI conversation / every speaker
stop the interviewEnds Interview Mode
AI
▶
stop interviewstop the interviewend interviewend the interviewend interview modeexit interview modethat's enough questionsno more questionsstop asking questionsstop asking me questions
Ends the current interview and returns to ordinary AI conversation.
Active Interview Mode
curiosity mode on / offControls every automatic curiosity system for the current service session
AI
▶
curiosity mode oncuriosity onturn curiosity onbe more curiousyou can ask me questions
curiosity mode offcuriosity offturn curiosity offstop being curiousstop asking me questionsdon't ask me questionsdo not ask me questions
Temporarily enables or disables conversational follow-ups, reactive visual questions, owner-only idle offers, and owner-only autonomous visual observations.
Conversation preference
owner idle curiosityMay politely ask the authorized owner for permission to pose one question
✓ Owner onlyAI
▶
During an appropriate quiet conversational moment, Robie may ask permission before posing one bounded curiosity question. Guests do not receive owner-memory-based idle questions.
Accepts a clear yes or no and continues normally.
AI / authorized owner only
automatic curiosity cancellationPrevents question modes from leaking into incompatible states
⚠ State safety
▶
New user speech, speaker change, sleep, shutdown, Command Mode entry, Keep Watch start, Walkabout start, movement, or another incompatible operating state.
Ends or cancels pending questions when the conversation or operating mode changes.
Automatic
Using this feature: ROBIE may ask occasional follow-up questions. Interview Mode begins only on request. Owner-only automatic visual observations may use the camera; guests do not receive the owner’s private memories. Use curiosity mode off to disable automatic curiosity for the current session; it returns after restart. An explicitly requested interview remains available.
Quieter idle curiosity: Spontaneous camera observations and non-camera permission offers share a minimum 30-minute gap. An offer counts even if you decline or ignore it; a question following an accepted offer belongs to that same interaction and refreshes the gap. This is a minimum interval, not a promise to speak every 30 minutes. Quiet-time, owner and other operating conditions still apply.
Robie keeps the last eight queued idle probes in temporary memory to reduce repetition. That recent history and the shared timer clear on restart. He is intended to stay quiet when there is nothing worthwhile to add, although topic repetition can still occur. Normal conversational follow-ups, requested camera descriptions and an explicitly requested interview are outside this idle-only restriction.
Status & Battery
Casual status, short status, full reports, facts memory status, local weather, combined environment checks, air analysis, main battery, and Bluetooth microphone battery Use tell me the weather for weather only; environmental check for sensors plus weather
Battery warningROBIE warns when the microphone battery is low. Recharge the microphone before continued use. Battery readings may be approximate.
how are youGives short casual banter/status reply
AI
▶
how are youhow are you doingare you okayare you okare you alrightyou okayyou okyou alright
Gives short casual banter/status reply
AI
what are you doingGives short activity reply
AI
▶
what are you doingwhat are you up towhat you doingwhat are you working on
Gives short activity reply
AI
how are you feelingGives short status-style health/environment summary
AI
▶
how are you feelinghow do you feelare you feelingyou feelinghow are your systemshow do your systems feelhow are your systems feelinghow do you feel todayhow are you holding up
Gives short status-style health/environment summary
AI
status reportReports detailed system/camera/memory/audio/main-battery/Bluetooth-microphone/environment status
AI
▶
status reportsystem reportsystem statusrobot statusdiagnostic reportdiagnostic statusdiagnostic checkfull status reportfull system reportdetailed status reportdetailed system reportcheck yourselfrun diagnostics
Reports robot, camera, memory, battery, microphone and environmental status.
AI
memory statusReports facts-memory file health
🔒 PrivacyAI
▶
memory statusfacts memory statusfact memory statusfacts statusare your memory files okayare your facts memory files okayis your facts memory okayis facts memory okaycheck facts memorycheck memory files
Reports whether stored facts are available.
AI
battery statusReports Robie's main battery plus Bluetooth microphone state and battery
AI
▶
battery statusbattery levelbattery percentagehow much batteryhow much powerhow much chargepower remainingcharge remainingare you chargedare you low on batterydo you need chargingBluetooth microphone batteryBluetooth mic batterymicrophone batterymicrophone batterySeiren battery
Reports Robie's main battery and the microphone battery percentage when connected; otherwise reports that the Bluetooth microphone is off or disconnected
AI
tell me the weatherReports selected-location weather without internal sensor readings
AI
▶
weatherlocal weatherweather reportcurrent weatherweather todaytoday's weatherwhat is the weatherwhat is the weather todaywhat is the weather likewhat's the weather like todayhow is the weatherhow's the weather todaytell me the weathertell me today's weathertell me about the weathergive me the weather reportgive me today's weather reportwill it rain todaywhat is the chance of rainwill it snow todaywhat is the chance of snow
Reports current conditions and temperature, apparent temperature with local humidity and wind factored in, today's high and low, and the maximum precipitation probability for today.
weather tomorrowtomorrow's weathertomorrow's forecastforecast for tomorrowwhat's tomorrow's weatherwhat's the weather tomorrowwhat will the weather be like tomorrowtell me tomorrow's weathergive me tomorrow's forecastwill it rain tomorrowwill it snow tomorrow
Reports tomorrow's expected condition, high and low temperatures, and precipitation chance, naming the selected location.
AI / weather only
give me the five-day forecastReports today plus the following four days
AI
▶
five day forecast5 day forecastfive day weather forecastwhat's the five day forecastgive me the five day forecasttell me the five day forecastweather for the next five daysforecast for the next five dayswhat's the weather for the next five days
Names the selected location and gives a concise daily summary for today and the following four days, including conditions, high/low, and precipitation chance.
AI / weather only
environment checkReports internal sensor readings followed by local weather
Reports internal temperature, humidity, pressure, and air-quality status, then appends the same selected-location weather report used by the weather-only command.
AI / combined report
air analysisRuns deeper on-demand air/VOC trend analysis
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
air analysisrun air analysisanalyze airanalyse airdeep air analysisinternal air analysisrun internal air analysis
Runs deeper on-demand air/VOC trend analysis
AI
Using this feature: Use tell me the weather for outdoor weather and environment check for onboard readings plus weather. Fresh forecasts require internet access. A supported paired Bluetooth microphone is used when connected; the built-in microphone resumes when it disconnects. Battery readings may be approximate.
Calendar & Appointments
Owner-only, read-only Google Calendar questions and short conversational follow-ups AI Mode; spoken in ROBIE’s voice
🔒 Private and read-onlyRobie reads the owner's primary Calendar when asked. He cannot add, move, cancel, or delete events. Guests cannot retrieve the owner's schedule. Calendar answers do not cause movement or start a reminder.
what do I have today?Reads the requested day's Calendar entries
✓ Owner-onlyAI
▶
what do I have today?what do I have tomorrow?what's on my calendar this week?what's coming up over the next seven days?do I have anything Thursday?what's happening Thursday afternoon?tell me, what do I have scheduled today?what's my itinerary?what's my itinerary for Saturday?
Reads matching Calendar entries for today, tomorrow, a named weekday, this week, or the next seven days.
AI Mode / owner / internet required
when is my [event]?Finds a named upcoming Calendar event
✓ Owner-onlyAI
▶
when is my MRI?where is my MRI?when is my tennis?what's my next appointment?what's my next event?
Searches upcoming event titles or locations, or names the next scheduled commitment.
AI Mode / owner / read-only
am I free Thursday afternoon?Checks Calendar availability or a dated appointment phrase
✓ Owner-onlyAI
▶
am I free Thursday afternoon?do I have plans Saturday evening?do I have an appointment on Saturday?check my calendar for Saturday appointments
Checks entries for the day or daypart. Availability uses whether Calendar marks an event busy or free.
AI Mode / owner / read-only
how should I prepare for it?Continues a recent Calendar conversation
✓ Owner-onlyAI
▶
how should I prepare for it?what should I bring?I'm nervous about it
Uses a brief recent Calendar snapshot to understand a relevant follow-up without changing his usual voice or personality.
AI conversation / owner only
Using this feature: Calendar access is owner-only and read-only. Guests cannot retrieve the owner’s schedule. Relevant follow-ups may share recent Calendar information with the conversation service and may appear in conversational memory. Calendar events do not prove attendance; ask again if a schedule may have changed.
Camera, Media & Sharing
Vision description, current visual reference, transcript sharing, child-style drawing, photo/video capture, email sending, cleanup Scene View stays separate from Object Inspect/Examine
◎ Camera privacy noteScene View, Object Inspect, Object Examine, and Keep Watch are separate camera paths. Scene View describes the room and stores the most recent scene photo as Robie's current visual reference. Object modes focus on what is being shown. Keep Watch captures evidence after motion sensor motion.
◎ Current visual referenceAfter what do you see?, Robie keeps the current visual reference file as his current visual reference until a new scene image replaces it, the service restarts, or the file is deleted. Follow-up questions can use the stored detailed observation or re-analyze the same image.
Exact sharing phrases matteremail that, send that, email me that, send me that, and transcribe that refer to Robie's most recent completed AI answer. Phrases such as send that to me, email that to me, or send it to me remain camera-media commands.
email that / send that / transcribe thatEmails the most recent completed AI answer as text with its exact spoken audio recording
🔒 Privacy✓ Owner-onlyAI
▶
email thatemail me thate mail me thatmail me thatsend thatsend me thattranscribe thatemail me that answersend me that answeremail me the last answersend me the last answeremail me your answersend me your answeremail the last answer to mesend the last answer to me
Emails the owner’s question and ROBIE’s most recent completed answer as text with an audio recording attached.
AI
draw a picture and send itTakes a fresh photo, redraws it like a child's pencil/crayon picture, and emails the JPEG
◎ CameraAI
▶
draw a picture and send itdraw a picture and send it to medraw me a picture and send itdraw me a picture and send it to medraw a picture and email itdraw a picture and email it to medraw me a picture and email itdraw me a picture and email it to me
Asks you to hold still, takes a new photo, creates a childlike drawing with ROBIE’s signature, and emails the finished drawing. Allow a minute or two for completion.
AI / camera and image-generation task
what do you seeTakes a new scene image, describes it and keeps it available for follow-up questions
◎ Camera
▶
what do you seewhat can you seewhat are you seeingwhat do you see Robiewhat can you see Robiedescribe what you seedescribe the roomdescribe your viewtell me what you seelook aroundtake a lookuse your cameralook with your camera
Captures a fresh scene image, describes it, and stores it as the current visual reference
Scene View
last image referenceUses or re-analyzes the most recent scene photo
◎ Camera
▶
what did you see lastwhat was in the last imagedescribe the last phototell me more about the last imagewhat else did you seelook at the last image againanalyze the last photo
Uses stored detailed visual context or re-analyzes the current visual reference file without taking a new photo
Scene View / current visual reference
what do you see in front of youDescribes front camera view
◎ Camera
▶
what do you see in front of youwhat can you see in front of youtell me what is in front of youtell me what's in front of youdescribe what is in front of youdescribe what's in front of you
Describes front camera view
Scene View
take a photoSaves timestamped photo locally
AI
▶
take a phototake phototake a picturetake picturesnap a photosnap a pictureshoot a photocapture a photocapture photo
Saves timestamped photo locally
AI
send/email + photo requestTakes photo, emails it, then deletes local copy if send succeeds
AI
▶
Any send, email, or mail request that also includes photo, picture, image, or pic, such as take a photo and send it
Takes photo, emails it, then deletes local copy if send succeeds
AI
record a videoRecords short video locally
AI
▶
record a videorecord videotake a videotake videorecord a short videotake a short videocapture a videocapture video
Records short video locally
AI
send/email + video requestRecords video, emails it, then deletes local copy if send succeeds
AI
▶
Any send, email, or mail request that also includes video or clip, such as record a short video and send it
Records video, emails it, then deletes local copy if send succeeds
send it to meemail it to mesend that to meemail that to mesend the fileemail the file
Sends newest camera media file
AI
erase mediaDeletes saved camera photos/videos
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
Delete words delete, erase, clear, remove, clean, cleanup, purge, wipe, or trash plus camera/photo/video/media wording; examples: erase media, delete all photos, delete camera files, clear camera media, delete photos and videos, delete videos
Deletes saved camera photos/videos
AI
Scene ViewGeneral wide-angle view and regular camera media functions
◎ Camera
▶
what do you see
General wide-angle view and regular camera media functions
Scene View
look at thisCaptures temporary object image and answers about the presented object
◎ Camera
▶
look at thislook at this objectinspect thisinspect this objectcheck thischeck this outwhat is thiswhat's thiswhat am I holdingwhat is in my handwhat's in my handread thisread this labelread the labellook at this labellook at this recordlook at this albumlook at this coverlook at this capacitorlook at this resistorlook at this transistorlook at this tubelook at this partlook at this componentcan you see this
Captures temporary object image and answers about the presented object
Object Inspect
examine thisUses a short temporary video to examine the object from multiple angles
◎ Camera
▶
examine thisexamine this objectexamine this partexamine this recordexamine this capacitorexamine this labelanalyze thisanalyze this objecttake a closer looktake a close looklook at this closelyinspect this videovideo inspect thisvideo examine this
Uses a short temporary video to examine the object from multiple angles.
Object Examine
tell me moreContinues discussion using recent object context
◎ Camera
▶
tell me morewhat does it sayis it damagedwhat should I checkwhat value is itcan you read it
keep watchstart watchstart watchingstart keep watchstart watch modeenter watch modewatch modewatch the roomwatch this roomkeep an eye on thingskeep an eye on the room
stop watchingStops Watch Mode or cancels pending alert
◎ CameraWatch
▶
stop watchingstop watchend watchend watchingstop keep watchend keep watchstop watch modeend watch modewatch mode offkeep watch offturn off watchturn off watchingturn off keep watchcancel watchcancel watchingcancel watch modecancel keep watchdisable watchdisable keep watchdisarmdisarm watchdisarm keep watchstand down
Stops Watch Mode or cancels pending alert
Keep Watch
motion sensor motion detectedEmails one event photo plus one short event video
◎ CameraWatch
▶
motion-triggered trigger while Keep Watch is armed
Emails one event photo plus one short event video
Keep Watch
Using this feature: Camera features capture images or video. Use them with the knowledge of people nearby. Scene View retains the latest visual reference until replaced, restart, or deletion; object inspection uses temporary media. Only the latest completed answer is available for transcript sharing. Sharing sends content to the configured recipient. Erase media deletes saved camera photos and videos. If delivery fails, saved media may remain available for another attempt.
Object Inspection
Look at this / Examine this / Analyze this object-helper commands Object Examine is now 3 seconds
◎ Object mode noteObject Inspect uses a still photo; Object Examine uses a short temporary video. Neither feature establishes a person’s identity.
look at thisTakes a temporary still image and analyzes the presented object
◎ Camera
▶
look at thislook at this objectinspect thisinspect this objectcheck thischeck this outwhat is thiswhat's thiswhat am I holdingwhat is in my handwhat's in my handread thisread this labelread the labellook at this labellook at this recordlook at this albumlook at this coverlook at this capacitorlook at this resistorlook at this transistorlook at this tubelook at this partlook at this componentcan you see this
Takes a temporary still image and analyzes the presented object; if the main object is unclear, may ask for a steadier view and take one more image
Object Inspect
examine thisUses a short temporary video to examine the object from multiple angles
◎ Camera
▶
examine thisexamine this objectexamine this partexamine this recordexamine this capacitorexamine this labelanalyze thisanalyze this objecttake a closer looktake a close looklook at this closelyinspect this videovideo inspect thisvideo examine this
Uses a short temporary video to examine the object from multiple angles.
Object Examine
tell me moreUses recent object-inspection/examination context for follow-up answers
AI
▶
tell me morewhat does it sayis it damagedwhat should I checkwhat value is itcan you read it
Uses recent object-inspection/examination context for follow-up answers
AI mode
look at this capacitorUses camera plus audio context to help inspect parts/markings
⚠ Safety◎ Camera
▶
look at this capacitorlook at this resistorlook at this transistorlook at this tubelook at this partlook at this componentread this partwhat value is thiscan you see this transistor number
Uses camera plus audio context to help inspect parts/markings
Object Inspect / Object Examine
look at this recordUses camera to identify/describe record sleeves, labels, or condition clues
◎ Camera
▶
look at this recordlook at this albumlook at this album coverlook at this coverwhat record is thisexamine this record
Uses camera to identify/describe record sleeves, labels, or condition clues
Object Inspect / Object Examine
object/person shownAvoids identity claims
◎ Camera🔒 Privacy
▶
If a person is shown, describe only visible non-sensitive details
Avoids identity claims
Object Inspect / Object Examine
Using this feature: Hold the object steady and rotate it slowly when asked. A clearer view may be requested. Object examination is temporary and does not establish a person’s identity. Verify component values with appropriate instruments and reference information.
Command Movement
Manual forward/back/left/right, dynamic speed adjustment, stop, sensors, override Physical motor kill switch remains the real-world safety layer
⚠ Physical safetyAlways place Robie on the floor before issuing movement commands. Keep the physical motor kill switch within reach. Re-entering Command Mode resets sensors back ON.
Any command-mode phrase containing stopRequests an immediate motor stop
⚠ SafetyCMD
▶
Say “stop,” “halt,” or “freeze” to stop movement. During Walkabout, you do not need to say ROBIE first.
Requests an immediate motor stop
Command mode
go forward...Drives forward
⚠ SafetyCMD
▶
go forwardgo straightforwardstraightcome herego forwardsforwardsstreet
Drives forward
Command mode
go backward...Drives backward
⚠ SafetyCMD
▶
go backwardgo backwardsbackwardbackwardsgo backback up
Drives backward
Command mode
go left...Turns left
CMD
▶
go leftturn leftmove leftleft
Turns left
Command mode
go right...Turns right
CMD
▶
go rightturn rightmove rightright
Turns right
Command mode
faster / go faster · slower / go slowerAdjusts the active movement speed
⚠ SafetyCMD
▶
fastergo fasterslowergo slower
Raises or lowers the current movement speed. This command works only while moving; a new direction starts at its normal speed.
Command Mode while moving
overrideDisables command-mode collision sensors until cancelled or mode exit
Using this feature: Place ROBIE on the floor in a clear area and keep the physical motor kill switch within reach. STOP interrupts motion. SENSOR OVERRIDE disables collision protection temporarily; use it only with clear sightlines. Re-entering Command Mode restores sensors. Speed changes apply only while moving.
AI Movement & Gestures
AI movement, dance, show-off, spin, look-both-ways, duration modifiers Gestures are not navigation; AI movement now requires direct command wording
⚠ Gesture noteAI movement and gestures are short timed actions, not navigation. In this build, AI movement ignores collision sensors by design.
⚠ AI movement safetyAI-mode movement should only fire from short, direct commands such as back up, go backward, go back a bit, move forward, turn left, or turn right. Conversational phrases such as I want to go back outside, go back to the old version, or move forward with the idea should remain conversation and should not move Robie.
Any AI-mode phrase containing stopStops motion
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
Any AI-mode phrase containing stop, halt, or freeze
Stops motion
AI mode
danceDance/show-off gesture
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
dancedance for medo a danceshow me your dance movesshow your dance movesdo a little dancegive me a little dancedo a wiggledo a little wiggleboogiebust a move
Dance/show-off gesture
AI mode
spin aroundSpin/show-off gesture
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
spin aroundturn arounddo a spinspinshow offshow off for me
Spin/show-off gesture
AI mode
look both waysLook-both-ways gesture
◎ CameraAI
▶
look both wayslook left and rightcheck both wayscheck left and rightlook aroundhave a look around
Look-both-ways gesture
AI mode
come hereShort timed forward motion
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
come herecome over herecome closermove closerget closercome to mecome toward mecome towards memove forwardgo forwardgo straightmove straightforwardstraightstreet
Short timed forward motion
AI mode
back upShort timed backward motion
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
back upbackupback a bitmove backmove back a bitgo back a bitgo backwardgo backwardsmove backwardmove backwardsback awaymove awayreversegive me some spacegive me spacebackwardbackwards
Short timed backward motion
AI mode
go leftShort timed left turn
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
go leftturn leftmove leftleft
Short timed left turn
AI mode
go rightShort timed right turn
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
go rightturn rightmove rightright
Short timed right turn
AI mode
Phrases containing tiny/short/longAdjusts AI movement duration
User response after Robie asks for dance feedbackClassifies feedback positive/negative/neutral
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
User response after Robie asks for dance feedback
Classifies feedback positive/negative/neutral
AI
Using this feature: Conversation-mode movements and gestures are short actions rather than navigation. Collision sensors do not protect these movements in this configuration. Keep the area clear and use short, direct movement requests. Use back up, go backward, or go back a bit for intentional backward movement.
Gestures while speaking
Ordinary replies may include more varied forward/back movements, returning turns or sweeps chosen for the current exchange. Say “stand still,” “don’t gesture,” or “keep your motors still” to suppress optional speech movement for that response. This does not cancel a separately commanded movement or guarantee continued stillness in later replies.
Position and interruption: Completed speech patterns balance commanded wheel time, but Robie has no IMU or odometry to confirm his floor position or a physical return. Drift is possible. STOP, interruption or Remote takeover can cancel a pattern before its return movement; he does not force a compensating move afterward. Keep the floor area clear and the physical motor kill switch within reach.
Walkabout Mode
Command-only roaming mode, obstacle redirect, wake-word-free stop Never starts automatically; say stop to end
walkaboutStarts commanded Walkabout Mode
⚠ SafetyAI
▶
walkaboutwalk aboutwalk a boutwalkabout modestart walkaboutstart walk aboutstart walkabout modego walkaboutgo walk aboutgo for a walkgo for a little walktake a walktake a little walkgo on a walktake yourself for a walkgo for a strolltake a strollgo for a wanderhave a wanderwander aroundroam aroundgo roaminggo roam around
Starts commanded Walkabout Mode
AI
stopStops Walkabout Mode
⚠ SafetyWalkabout
▶
Say “stop,” “halt,” or “freeze” to stop movement. During Walkabout, you do not need to say ROBIE first.
Stops Walkabout Mode
Walkabout Mode
obstacle detectedStops, backs up if safe, turns gently, and tries another path
⚠ SafetyWalkabout
▶
Front sensors trigger redirect; rear sensor protects backup
Stops, backs up if safe, turns gently, and tries another path
Keeps Walkabout mostly quiet so you can interrupt it with STOP.
Keeps Walkabout mostly quiet
Walkabout Mode
Using this feature: Walkabout begins only on request and continues until stopped. Supervise it and say STOP without the wake word to end the session. Keep the physical motor kill switch within reach.
Attention & Watch
Attention Mode and motion-triggered Keep Watch start/stop/disarm behaviour Keep Watch and Walkabout suspend Attention Mode while active
◎ Watch/attention noteKeep Watch and Walkabout suspend Attention Mode while active. Keep Watch is motion-triggered, quiet by design, and suppresses normal AI chat until stopped or disarmed.
attention mode onEnables quiet-gap camera centering/attention behaviour
keep watchStarts silent Watch Mode; movement in the monitored area can trigger an alert
◎ CameraWatch
▶
keep watchstart watchstart watchingstart keep watchstart watch modeenter watch modewatch modewatch the roomwatch this roomkeep an eye on thingskeep an eye on the room
Starts silent Watch Mode; movement in the monitored area can trigger an alert
Keep Watch
stop watchingStops Watch Mode
◎ CameraWatch
▶
stop watchingstop watchend watchend watchingstop keep watchend keep watchstop watch modeend watch modewatch mode offkeep watch offturn off watchturn off watchingturn off keep watchcancel watchcancel watchingcancel watch modecancel keep watchdisable watchdisable keep watchdisarmdisarm watchdisarm keep watchstand down
Stops Watch Mode
Keep Watch
motion sensor motion detectedCaptures event photo + short event video, emails both
◎ CameraWatch
▶
No spoken command; motion-triggered trigger while Watch Mode is armed
Captures event photo + short event video, emails both
Keep Watch
continued/new motion sensor motionMay send further alerts if motion continues or returns
◎ CameraWatch
▶
No spoken command; automatic while Watch Mode remains active
May send another alert if motion continues or returns. Alerts are spaced to avoid repeated notifications.
Keep Watch
Using this feature: Keep Watch uses motion-triggered camera capture and can email photos and video. It suspends ordinary conversation until stopped. Use stop watching to exit. Attention Mode and Walkabout are separate modes; attention is suspended while Watch or Walkabout is active.
Owner Memory & Privacy
Robie can maintain owner-authorized conversational continuity and personal preferences.
🔒 Privacy Personal and project memory is restricted to the authorized owner. Ask Revenant Robotics for assistance with protected owner controls.
Guest separation Guest conversations do not receive access to the owner’s private facts, project notes, or episodic history.
Remembering a fact from a picture
After asking Robie for a fresh scene view or object inspection, the authorized owner can explicitly restate one useful fact, for example: “Remember from that picture that the red box is my toolbox.” Use a named object and a clear fact rather than “remember that.” A scene view is eligible for up to three minutes; an object view for up to five minutes. A newer view, speaker change, Remote transition or restart can end that opportunity. If needed, request a fresh view and restate the fact.
The fact is saved as the owner’s statement, not independently verified visual truth. Background camera observations do not automatically become learned visual facts. Long-term visual recall after restart is still being evaluated; do not rely on it as the only record of important information.
Cognitive Autonomy
ROBIE can use owner-authorized memories and feedback to support conversational continuity. Tell him “that helped,” “that didn’t help,” or ask for briefer answers.
Limits: Replies, visual descriptions and recalled information may be wrong. Confirm important details. Feedback does not guarantee a change, and ROBIE does not rewrite his own software or independently move closer to inspect an object.
Preferences, feedback and physical status
A saved reply-style preference can survive normal restarts, but asking for brief answers does not guarantee a particular length. Tell Robie when an answer is unhelpful or a description is wrong; improved behavior after repeated feedback is still being evaluated.
When asked about movement, Robie can use limited controller status. A command being sent, or STOP being requested, is not proof of travel, final position or a physical stop. His replies do not give him new navigation or movement authority.
If a reply is slow or missing
Reply timing varies, and delayed or unexpectedly silent replies remain under investigation. Allow time before repeating a request. If the problem recurs, note the approximate time, what you asked and the delay before the first spoken word for support. No fixed response time is promised.
Speaker Identity
Guest speaker switching and Robie spoken-name variants. Protected owner controls require assistance from Revenant Robotics.
you are talking to [name]Sets non-owner speaker mode
🔒 PrivacyAI
▶
you are talking to [name]you are speaking to [name]this is [name] speakingswitch speaker to [name]change speaker to [name]
Sets non-owner speaker mode
AI
describe yourselfGives fuller Robie description
AI
▶
describe yourselftell me about yourselftell me who you arewho are youwhat are youwhat can you dowhat do you dowhat kind/sort of robot are youtell me what you areexplain what you are
Gives fuller Robie description
AI
Math & Feedback
Simple arithmetic and dance feedback handling Feedback only inside short dance-response window
what is X plus YAnswers simple spoken arithmetic
AI
▶
what is X plus YX plus Ywhat is X minus YX minus Ywhat is X times YX times YX multiplied by YX divided by YX over Y
Answers simple spoken arithmetic
AI
Safety, privacy and legal notices
Please read this section before using ROBIE Sr. It applies to everyone who owns, uses, or is near ROBIE Sr.
Intended use
For adult owners. This manual is for owners of a robot converted by Revenant Robotics. The conversion is a service performed on a robot you already own; the original robot and its parts remain your property. ROBIE Sr. is a companion and hobby robot for indoor use on a level surface. It is not a medical, safety, security or emergency device. Features and commands may be updated over time, and some depend on an internet connection and on third-party services that can change or become unavailable.
Supervision and safety
Adult supervision required. ROBIE Sr. is not a toy and is not intended for use by or around unsupervised children. In Walkabout, ROBIE Sr. roams a room on its own, much like a robot vacuum, and uses its collision sensors to change direction; the sensors stay on throughout Walkabout. Sensors may not detect every obstacle, drop-off, or thin or low object, so supervise Walkabout and say STOP to end it. Short AI-mode movements and gestures are not protected by the collision sensors. Never leave ROBIE Sr. running unattended, especially near stairs. Keep people, pets, stairs, ledges, liquids and fragile objects clear of the robot, and keep the physical power control within reach whenever it is active. You are responsible for supervising its use and for deciding whether it is safe to operate in your environment.
Privacy, recording and data
🔒 What ROBIE Sr. hears and sees. ROBIE Sr. has a microphone, a camera and motion sensing. To understand speech and produce replies, the words you speak and related conversation text are sent over the internet to OpenAI, the AI service built into ROBIE Sr.; the provider is fixed and cannot be changed by the owner. This happens through your own account and API key (see “Your accounts” below). That provider may keep an archive of your conversations under its own terms and privacy policies. Images from the camera, when used, are sent to OpenAI to be described. Do not say or show ROBIE Sr. anything you would not be comfortable sending to an online service. Do not share passwords, financial details, health information or other sensitive information with it.
Stored on the robot. Conversation memories (including owner preferences and feedback) are stored on the robot and persist across normal restarts. They are not a reliable record and can be wrong or incomplete. Photos and videos are saved on the robot’s SD card and are emailed through your configured email account. They can be deleted on command (“erase media”) and are also deleted automatically after a few days. Copies that were emailed or sent to a service are not deleted. Revenant Robotics does not receive or store your conversations, images, recordings or email through ROBIE Sr.; they stay on your robot and in your own accounts, unless you choose to give us access, for example for support. Your AI provider and email provider keep and process data under their own terms and privacy policies, which Revenant Robotics does not control.
Your accounts. Your robot is set up to use an email account and an OpenAI account (API key) that belong to you. You are the account holder, you accept that provider’s terms of use (including any age and acceptable-use rules), and you are billed by the provider for usage. Keep your API key and email password private; anyone who has them can use your accounts. If you revoke the key or close the account, the robot’s AI features stop working. Revenant Robotics is not the provider of those services and does not control their availability, pricing, accuracy or policies.
People nearby. ROBIE Sr. can capture audio, images and video of anyone within range, including guests and bystanders. As the owner, you are responsible for telling people when ROBIE Sr. is active and for obeying the laws that apply where you use it, including consent rules for recording audio, images and video. Do not use ROBIE Sr. to record, monitor or surveil anyone without their knowledge or in places where people expect privacy.
Camera, email and Keep Watch. Camera features capture photos or video; Keep Watch can capture and email photos and video of anyone in view when motion is detected. Scene images and spoken answers may be sent to OpenAI for description or transcription, and sharing commands email content (including audio recordings of answers) from your configured email account. Use camera features only with the knowledge of people nearby. Saved photos and videos live on the robot’s SD card and can be deleted on command with erase media; they are also deleted automatically after a few days. Copies already emailed or sent to a service are not recalled.
Owners, guests and speaker modes. Private memory, calendar and certain commands are restricted to the authorized owner. Speaker and guest modes are a convenience for separating conversations. They are not a security feature or a reliable way to verify who is speaking, so do not rely on them to protect sensitive information. Calendar information, when requested, may be shared with OpenAI.
Accuracy and AI-generated content
Replies, descriptions, recalled information, weather and time-sensitive answers may be inaccurate, incomplete or out of date. Do not rely on ROBIE Sr. for medical, legal, financial, safety or emergency decisions, or for detecting danger. What ROBIE Sr. says or suggests is generated by the OpenAI AI service and is not advice from Revenant Robotics.
Conversations are unpredictable. Replies are generated by an AI service and can be unexpected, inappropriate or upsetting, and some topics may be distressing or triggering for some people. ROBIE Sr. is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health or crisis support, and is not suitable as a companion for anyone who may be vulnerable or for children without an adult present. If you or someone near you is distressed, stop the conversation, switch ROBIE Sr. off, and contact a qualified professional or local emergency services.
Software, modification and tampering
Do not tamper. The software, prompts and configuration that Revenant Robotics installs on ROBIE Sr. are licensed to you for use on your own robot. They are not sold, and you do not receive ownership of them. Do not copy, extract, reverse engineer, alter, resell or redistribute them. Do not open, rewire or modify the electronics, battery, charging system, sensors, motors or enclosure, or disable, bypass or override any safety feature, except through Revenant Robotics or as expressly described in this manual. Do not attempt to access anyone else’s robot, accounts or data.
Unauthorized changes. Changes made by anyone other than Revenant Robotics may make ROBIE Sr. unsafe or unreliable, void any service warranty or support, and make you responsible for resulting damage or injury. Revenant Robotics is not liable for problems caused by unauthorized modification, repair or tampering. These terms apply to the extent permitted by law and do not limit any right you have under applicable law that cannot be limited by contract, such as rights to repair your own property.
Warranty and liability
Provided “as is.” ROBIE Sr. and this manual are provided “as is” and “as available”, without warranties or conditions of any kind, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose, to the fullest extent permitted by law. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Revenant Robotics is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special or consequential loss, or for injury, property damage or data loss, arising from the use of or inability to use ROBIE Sr. Nothing in this manual limits any rights you have under consumer protection or product safety law that cannot be limited by contract. Revenant Robotics does not warrant the condition of the original robot or of original parts you supplied. You use ROBIE Sr. at your own risk.
Independence and trademarks
Independent project. ROBIE Sr. is a Revenant Robotics restoration and upgrade of a 1980s hobby robot that the customer already owns. “ROBIE” was originally a product name used by RadioShack/Tandy; Revenant Robotics is not affiliated with RadioShack or its successors, and the conversion is not made, sponsored or endorsed by them. Converting a robot may void any remaining manufacturer warranty. All other product names, trademarks and brands mentioned are the property of their respective owners and are used only to identify them. No endorsement or affiliation is implied.
