Evolution Robotics ER Vision(TM) Software to be licensed by Entertainment Robot Company - ERC - a Division of Sony Corporation

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 2, 2003-- Evolution Robotics(TM) Inc., a leading provider of state-of-the-art robotics solutions, today announced a technology licensing agreement with Entertainment Robot Company - ERC - a division of Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE). Evolution Robotics will work closely with Sony ERC to optimize ER Vision(TM) for use in future Sony ERC products.

Sony chose to work with Evolution Robotics because of the ease of use and potential of their technology, and because of the distinctive object recognition capabilities of ER Vision, which will substantially increase the functionality of Sony's future entertainment robots.

Evolution Robotics offers comprehensive robotics solutions - software, embedded systems, and professional services - to assist OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in developing and bringing to market state-of-the-art robotic products for consumer and industrial use.

Koji Kageyama, ERC's General Manager of Product Development said, "Over the last four years, we have pushed the boundaries of what robots can do. We are excited to work with the Evolution Robotics' team because they bring robotics-focused software expertise to the industry. Through this leading technology, we will continue to build new entertainment robots that are not only companions, but ones that offer real-world, practical applications."

"Sony is the clear leader in the field of entertainment robotics and we're honored to work with them," said Bernard Louvat, CEO of Evolution Robotics. "Together we can continue to truly advance the future of robotics and make robots a part of our everyday lives."

About Evolution Robotics

Evolution Robotics(TM) provides state-of-the-art robotics software technologies, embedded systems and professional services that assist manufacturers in bringing robotic products to market. The Evolution Robotics Software Platform (ERSP(TM)) includes a state-of-the-art robotics software architecture, application development tools and core robotic functionality modules in the areas of computer vision, autonomous navigation and human-robot interaction. These technologies are designed to be ported to various platforms and processors to support clients' needs, whether for high-volume, low-cost consumer products, or custom solutions. Evolution Robotics mission is to accelerate the robotics industry and help spur the creation of a variety of highly functional robot products that will become indispensable in our daily lives, at home and at work. Evolution Robotics is an operating company of Idealab, a creator and operator of technology businesses. www.evolution.com

About Sony

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading personal broadband entertainment company in the world. Sony's Home Page URL: www.sony.net

CONTACT: Connors Communications
             Kristin Capece, 212/798-1417
             
Email Contact
             Diana Wong, 212/798-1406 or 415/244-2785
             
Email Contact