The age of true cognitive systems has begun. Gone are the days when researchers programmed static knowledge into computers. Instead, today people are working with methods that make it possible for robots and other machines to learn actively, apply what’s been learned, and place it within increasingly larger contexts. Sometimes the robot even becomes a teacher. Today’s AI is designed to learn from experience. This accumulated knowledge-base is very valuable for human beings. This is one of the reasons why robots are now being increasingly used in the field of education. Because of their continuously developing communication capabilities, they impart specialized knowledge more and more frequently at schools and universities, or as private tutors.
Machines crack jokes
We’ve already become accustomed to communicating with machines – be it talking to automated phone systems or Apple’s Siri software (Speech Interpretation and Recognition Interface), for example. The results can be irritating, if the automated system doesn't precisely understand our input, or amusing if, for example, Siri takes things humorously and tries to crack a joke. Computer specialists, mathematicians, psychologists and many other experts all over the world are working on teaching robots what human emotions are, or more precisely, how they can be evaluated. The goal is to use robots for purposes beyond education, for example, to generate customer loyalty, in the field of medical and health care, and for therapy applications.
All-knowing customer clown
This is where Pepper, Romeo, and NAO come in. The three brothers were “born” at SoftBank Robotics. Pepper was created to support companies with customer service. Not only has he been busy in Nestlé shops in Japan since 2014, but now he has also been put to work at French train stations in the Loire region and in European Carrefour supermarkets. The little humanoid robot has an enormous store of knowledge thanks to a large data memory. He recognizes his counterpart, is able to assess emotional states (“Are you sad?”) and communicates on the basis of existing customer information.
Smart assistants
At 140 cm (4 1/2 feet), Romeo is quite a bit taller than Pepper and was developed to assist people with physical disabilities. With Romeo's help, the autonomy of elderly people can be enhanced. The robot assistant can open doors, climb stairs, and fetch things. With a height of just 58 cm (1 1/4 feet), NAO is a miniature version of Pepper and Romeo, but yet the oldest of SoftBank Robotics’ humanoid robots. Developed back in 2006, and currently in its fifth generation, NAO is used by thousands all over the world.