India’s first sari-donning AI humanoid robot teacher, Iris, has made its debut in the education sector. Developed by Makerlabs Edutech, Iris has taken on teaching roles in Kerala, India, as part of the Atal Tinkering Lab project by NITI Aayog.
India is facing a shortage of quality teachers, and humanoid AI robots may be an innovative, but questionable, solution. The country has nearly 265 million students in school, highlighting the pressing need for alternative teaching methods. This particular robot has been designed to revolutionize the traditional learning landscape, offering a glimpse into the future of education.
Iris, beyond being a robot, is touted as a cutting-edge voice assistant for educational settings. Equipped with robotics and generative AI capabilities, Iris can provide quick and smooth operation, offer personalized voice assistance, and answer complex queries across various academic subjects. Its multilingual capabilities and mobility enhance student engagement, making the learning process interactive and engaging.
Makerlabs Edutech has envisioned Iris as a tool to personalize instruction and accommodate diverse learning preferences. The robot’s ability to adapt to each student’s needs could education more engaging and effective if it is executed properly, or it could make it even more robotic than it already is. Iris could potentially represent a step toward a future where AI assists teachers in classrooms, though the long-term implications are yet to be fully understood.
Humanoid robots like Iris have been found to enhance learning and engagement, particularly in early learners and students with special needs. Their human-like form is supposed to foster a deeper sense of connection, making learning more effective. These robots can teach a wide range of subjects and skills, from reading and writing to computational thinking and metacognitive skills like self-assurance and dedication.
It may sound like your worst sci-fi nightmare, but robots like Iris may become a common sight in educational institutions worldwide, revolutionizing the way we learn and interact with AI in the classroom.