India welcomes its inaugural sari-clad AI humanoid educator as Iris takes the helm in classrooms. This multilingual AI teacher offers interactive learning experiences and personalized voice guidance and adeptly tackles challenging academic questions, marking a significant advancement in educational technology.
Screenshot from MakersLabs
Meet IRIS
India's pioneering AI humanoid educator, clad in a traditional saree, is making waves on social media platforms, capturing the interest of netizens nationwide. Crafted by Makerlabs Edutech, this humanoid named 'Iris' has commenced teaching duties in Kerala, a southern state known for its progressive approach to education.
Interesting Engineering reported that Iris is a vital component of the 2021 NITI Aayog project, Atal Tinkering Lab, designed to enhance extracurricular engagement in schools across the country.
The developers emphasize that the humanoid IRIS is poised to revolutionize the conventional educational paradigm. Makerlabs Edutech stated in a LinkedIn post that IRIS embodies its dedication to pushing boundaries and inspiring confidence in future innovations.
In a densely populated country like India, where the scarcity of qualified teachers is a pressing issue, the concept of humanoid robots assuming teaching roles holds significant promise. With approximately 265 million students enrolled in schools across India, a widespread shortage of educators is reported nationwide.
Designed for Students
The humanoid robot made its debut at KTCT Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, in a significant event that aims to enhance students' educational journey.
Unlike traditional robots, Makerlabs envisions Iris as an advanced voice assistant tailored specifically for educational environments. Leveraging state-of-the-art robotics and generative artificial intelligence technology, Iris promises swift and seamless operation.
As a multilingual AI instructor, IRIS excels in facilitating interactive learning, offering personalized voice assistance, and addressing challenging academic inquiries across different subjects. What distinguishes IRIS is its mobility, featuring built-in wheels that enrich its capacity to engage students dynamically during lessons.
Furthermore, IRIS is tailored to enhance classroom engagement, customize instruction, and accommodate various learning preferences, thereby promoting inclusivity in the educational setting.
While IRIS represents a glimpse into the future of education, harnessing artificial intelligence to aid educators, the long-term implications remain uncertain.
Recent studies have highlighted the significant impact of humanoid robots on learning and engagement across various educational fields.
According to a report from Robotical, these robots play a pivotal role in fostering computational thinking skills in young learners and enhancing student involvement across diverse curriculum areas.
Beyond traditional subjects like reading, writing, and STEM disciplines, humanoid robots also impart metacognitive skills such as self-confidence, motivation, and perseverance.
Notably, humanoid robots prove to be effective teaching aids for children on the autism spectrum. Research indicates that the humanoid form establishes a deeper connection and sense of ownership among students, particularly when employing teaching methodologies centered on empathy and support.
As technological advancements continue to propel humanoid technology forward, there is optimism that these versatile robots will become commonplace in educational settings worldwide.
