Paro devices are basic "black boxes" with dimensions of approximately 150x125x50mm. They are designed to be simple and straightforward to use, with only a physical on/off (power) switch and a small OLED informational display.

Depending on model and capabilities, Paro devices may be equipped with cameras, antennas, or other protrusions for different sensors or capabilities of the particular device - these are always on the top or bottom surface of the device. The top of the device also contains four M3 thumbscrews, which are used to affix the device to Paro's accessory mounting systems or protective enclosures. One side of the device contains a USB C-style 5V input power port (power-only; no data).

The Device Information Label contains information about the device, including its Device Identifier (eg. PARO-BHE) and Serial Number (eg. VOSGES-020P), as well as other regulatory and safety information. The QR code on this label refers to this Reconnaissance.Services web app.

The OLED Informational Display will display basic details about the device's status, but is not intended to be a means of data output - rather it provides basic information to assist with user operation of the device. From time-to-time informational messages will appear on this display, such as when the device is taking some sensor readings, or performing a data analysis or dissemination operation. In normal ongoing operation, five pieces of information appear on the OLED display (from top to bottom):

1. WiFi Signal Strength indicator - more bars indicate a stronger signal. Paro device will function adequately with even weak WiFi signals, however at least three bars are generally preferred for normal operation.
   
   
2. Device Identifier - which should match the identifier that appears on the device information label.
   
   
3. Informational QR Code - which will convey different data depending on the device's state. When the web configuration portal is active, this will provide an applicable link. At other times, decoding the QR code will yield additional (non-sensitive) information about the device's state.
   
   
4. Time Display - indicating the current UTC ("Zulu") time. If this display shows all zeroes for more than a second, then the device is unable to synchronize with time servers over the Internet.
   
   
5. Activity Indicator - showing if the device is processing or not. If this indicator is frozen for an extended period of time, the device is "hung" and requires power-cycling.
   

Paro devices are intended primarily for autonomous operation - when deployed, they are intended to be switched on and left to gather and process data and observations on their own. No additional user intervention is required. As an autonomous device, in most cases Paro is "self-healing" and monitors itself for performance and connectivity anomolies. When trouble is detected the device will take corrective action to maintain itself, including restarting from time-to-time. This is normal, and little to no user invention is required with Paro devices for most reconnaissance operations.

The device's internal Li-ion battery will maintain Paro for several hours without requiring recharge. An external 5V, 2A (10W) power source may remain attached indefinitely where required, with the internal battery acting as a UPS. When external power is attached, the internal battery will recharge regardless of whether the device is switched on or off. Circuitry inside the device protects against over-discharging the Li-ion cell, as well as over-charging so as to prolong battery life.

For the current iteration of the Paro βeta-Test Program, other than the status information available on the information display and the web app, no sensor information or analysis is available to end-users. Data gathering and analysis tests will be performed remotely.

For more information, please contact @paro-beta .

If you're participating in the Paro beta-test program, the Paro device that you receive will be ready to function "out of the box". You only need to configure it to connect to the Internet using your local WiFi network:

1. Unpack the Paro device. When unpacking your device, please keep the packaging in case your device needs to be sent back for exchange. Verify that the device is working by switching it on - you should see a logo appear on the OLED display.
   
   
2. Connect to the web configuration portal. Whenever a Paro device is switched on and cannot connect to the Internet, or during the first 10 minutes that it can connect to the Internet, a web-based configuration portal is available on the device. You can use any other device (eg. a laptop or smartphone) connected to the same network to access the configuration portal, or if Paro is not connected to a network, any WiFi-enabled device can be used.
   
   
• If Paro isn't connected to a network, connect to the WiFi network corresponding to the Paro device identity (eg. PARO-AB3) and point your web browser to http://10.0.0.1/. On many systems the web portal will appear automatically once you connect to the WiFi network. Alternatively, use the QR code on the Paro device's OLED display - this QR code has the device's WiFi SSID, and should also prompt a web connection to the configuration portal itself.
  
  
• If Paro is connected to a WiFi network, you connect to the web configuration portal via the IP address assigned to the device by the network. Use the QR code on the OLED display to connect to this address. Alternatively, the assigned IP address is displayed briefly during Paro's startup sequence - connect via a browser, ie. http://192.168.1.42/. Remember that a Paro device connected to a network will only enable the web-configuration portal for approximately 10 minutes after startup - you may need to re-start Paro if you need to change its settings.
  
  
When connecting to the web configuration portal for the first time, your web browser may provide you with a security warning. This is because the configuration portal uses an unencrypted http connection, and you may need to override default settings to access the portal.
3. Use the "key" to log-in. To access the Paro web configuration portal, you need to provide a 4-character "key", which changes each time Paro starts up. The key is displayed on the OLED display when you enter the web configuration portal so for this reason you need to have the device next to you when you are configuring it. Press the chevron  >  button to continue.
   
   
4. Set the WiFi network and password. Enter the SSID (WiFi network name) and password for the network that you would like Paro to connect to. This should be a network that will assign an IP address automatically (ie. via DHCP) and which can connect to servers on the outside Internet. The network may be behind a firewall, or use NAT translation to reach the Internet, but outgoing Internet access should be unrestricted. Press  Update Settings >  to continue - the Paro device will restart and attempt to connect to the new WiFi network.
   
   
5. Verify that Paro is connected. When Paro restarts, the name of the WiFi network and the IP address assigned to the device will appear briefly on the OLED display (if they do not, you may need to verify and update the WiFi settings you have provided). If Paro has good access to the Internet, the clock on the bottom of the OLED display will show the current "UTC" time - if not, the time will show all zeroes. Wait a few minutes and you should also be able to see the Paro device appear here on this Reconnaissance.Services web app.
   
   
This Reconnaissance.Services app is public, and the data that appears here, including location data, is not protected in any way. The location data for the Paro devices is not derived from the geolocation of the Paro devices themselves (ie. not the GPS/GNSS location), but rather from the geolocation of the IP address of connected devices. In most cases the IP locations are specified by ISPs and correspond to their infrastructure location in your city. Depending on your circumstances, however, you may not wish this Paro device data to be public. Don't connect a Paro βeta-Test device to your Internet connection if you have any concerns.
6. Plug in the device to power, and leave it connected. This iteration of the Paro beta-test program is testing the longevity of certain Paro devices and components, so please just plug in the device using a 5V, 2A (10W) USB power supply and leave it in an out-of-the-way location. While Paro will function for several hours without being plugged in, the purpose of these tests is in relation to long-term durability so the internal battery does need to remain recharged. Remote tests will be done periodically, and you may notice the device restarting from time-to-time - this is normal.
   
   
If the Paro device you are testing includes a camera, please point this toward something interesting, but not sensitive (ie. please don't put it in your bedroom or bathroom) as images may be captured periodically for analysis and/or presented online for promotional or reference purposes.

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to reach out by email. At some point in the future, the Reconnaissance.Services team will reach out to you with more information about exchanging the Paro device for a future βeta test, or a final device.

Thanks again for participating in the Paro beta-test program!

Notice and Disclaimer:

Paro βeta-Test devices are experimental in nature and are provided for testing purposes only. They are not intended for sale or resale and are not finalized products. Users are required to return these devices to the manufacturer upon completion of testing. Please note that these devices are supplied without any warranty, implied or expressed. By using these devices, the user acknowledges and accepts all risks associated with their operation, including but not limited to potential malfunctions or failures. The manufacturer shall not be liable for any damages, losses, or injuries arising from the use of these experimental devices.

Handling and Storage:

Avoid Physical Damage: Do not drop, crush, or apply any mechanical shock to the device. If the device’s enclosure is cracked or broken, discontinue use immediately to avoid damage to the internal battery.

Keep Dry: Do not immerse the device in water or any other liquid. Moisture can cause short circuits or corrosion, posing a risk of fire or electric shock.

Material Specifics:

Photosensitive Resin Case: The device's case is made from photosensitive resin. Over time, exposure to light may cause the color of the case to fade. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure if color retention is a concern.

Avoid Inhaling Dust or Fumes: If the device breaks, do not inhale any dust from the photosensitive resin. In the event of breakage, ensure good ventilation and avoid creating dust through drilling or sanding the resin.

Charging and Electrical Safety:

Use Only Specified Power Sources: Always charge the device using a 5V, 2A (10W) DC power supply via the provided USB-C port. Using chargers or cables not specified for this device can lead to overheating or damage to the battery.

Charge in a Safe Environment: Charge the device in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials, to reduce the risk of fire.

Temperature Considerations:

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not store or use the device in very hot or cold environments. Extreme temperatures can affect battery performance and safety. The ideal storage and operation temperature range is typically between 0°C (32°F) to 45°C (113°F).

Battery Safety:

Do Not Disassemble: Never attempt to disassemble the device or replace the battery unless you are qualified and have the appropriate tools. Incorrect handling can lead to serious injury or damage.

Proper Disposal: When the device or battery is at the end of its life, do not dispose of it in the garbage. Instead, return it to the manufacturer for proper recycling. Special recycling processes are necessary for lithium-ion batteries and photosensitive resins.

Emergency Situations:

If Overheated or Smells Burning: Immediately disconnect the device from any power source and move it to a safe, open area. Do not use water to cool it down.

Skin Contact: If the battery leaks, avoid contact with skin or eyes. In case of contact, wash the area thoroughly with water. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

General Safety:

Keep Away from Children: This device is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion or misuse.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure that the device complies with local safety and electrical regulations.

Paro devices, being experimental technology, are not intended for use in countries under economic, trade, or technology transfer sanctions by Canada or the United States. This restriction is in place to comply with the legal frameworks of these countries which include:

Export Control Regulations: To prevent technology from being used in ways that might conflict with national security interests or international obligations.

Sanctions Programs: These programs often include restrictions on technology exports to prevent the proliferation of sensitive technology or dual-use items.

Paro devices are not be used, sold, or transferred to any of the listed countries or entities under sanction by Canada or the United States, as doing so could violate international trade laws, expose users to legal risks, and potentially support activities that are against the policy interests of these nations. For the most current and specific details, refer to the latest sanctions lists and advisories from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Paro βeta-Test devices will not be sent to the following countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Venezuela, Belarus, and Nicaragua, as well as any other countries currently under sanctions by Canada or the United States.

This is a very simple web app designed to support the Paro βeta-Test Program. It provides a simple map interface showing the status of Paro devices deployed in the βeta-Test Program.

Paro βeta-Test Program devices connected to the Internet are shown live on the map approximately in the location where they are deployed. Where multiple devices are deployed in the same location, zooming in on the map will show all devices in that area.

The map controls in the lower-right allow you to: (i) toggle between "satellite" and "map" views, (ii) zoom in and out, and adjust the map's perspective, (iii) toggle fullscreen mode, and (iv) centre the map on your geolocated position (this will require your device and browser to allow access to geolocation information).

The map itself is built with MapBox GL JS and runs entirely within your web broswer. Map data is © Mapbox and OpenStreetMap and its contributors.

Thank you for considering participation in the Paro βeta-Test Program! The purpose of the current iteration of this program (Winter 2024-2025) is to test prototype Paro devices "in the field" to ensure that they can connect to the Internet and provide data back to central "cloud" servers.

Volunteer beta-testers willing to deploy one or more Paro devices in their location are invited to participate. You will need to provide WiFi access to the Internet for each Paro device and a small amount of power to keep it charged. In exchange, beta-testers will receive priority access to future Paro βeta-Test and final release devices.

This iteration of the Paro βeta-Test Program intends to test Paro devices in various locations (indoor and outdoor) around the world. The goal is to see if Paro devices can withstand, over time, the rigours of different environments where basic WiFi/Internet access is available.

If you are interested in participating, please familiarize yourself with the Paro "Help" topics A, B, and C (see the menu above in this web app). If it seems like the program is something that you'd be willing to help with, please feel free to reach out and see if a Paro βeta-Test can be sent out to you. Thanks so much for your help!

For more information, please contact @paro-beta .

We provide hardware, software, and custom manufacturing services in support of reconnaissance activities.

PARO (“Personal Autono­mous Recon­nais­sance Observer”) devices are the core technology that we design, test, manufacture, and distribute. These are ultra low-cost, intelligent, autonomous sensor devices that are intended to be deployed in support of reconnaissance activities, in volume and into benign, harsh, or contentious environments. Paro devices are suitable for exploratory data capture while mobile, or from fixed locations. They can be deployed directly by personnel as handheld devices, or they can be remotely deployed from conventional or autonomous land, sea, and air vehicles. For example, these devices are capable of being air-dropped from standard or drone aircraft into difficult or contentious terrain so as to mitigate and avoid risk to personnel.

Users of our services are those who overtly engage in recon­nais­sance activities, such as scientific researchers, environmental and wildlife organizations, tactical operators, remote asset managers, and private security firms. Other users are those who engage in recon­nais­sance and sur­veillance activities without labeling them as such, such as corporate security departments, conservation groups, disaster response teams, and civil defense agencies.

For more information, please contact @cpknight .