Robots in schools, care homes next? This UK biz hopes to make that happen
Jan 27, 2025 - theregister.com
Engineered Arts, a UK-based robotics company, focuses on creating humanoid robots for entertainment, education, and research rather than industrial or domestic applications. The company's director of US operations, Leo Chen, highlights their emphasis on human-centric use cases, aiming to foster human connection and empathy through robots like Ameca. These robots are used in various settings, such as museums and educational institutions, to engage with people and enhance learning experiences. Engineered Arts has integrated AI advancements, like OpenAI's ChatGPT, into their robots to improve interaction quality, though they remain open to exploring other AI models.
Chen also discusses the potential for robots in elder care and medical applications, emphasizing their role in augmenting rather than replacing human workers. He notes cultural differences in attitudes towards robots and stresses the importance of exposure to reduce apprehension. Looking ahead, Chen questions the necessity of humanoid forms for robots in certain applications, suggesting that the industry should explore more creative and functional designs beyond the human form to better meet specific needs.
Key takeaways:
Engineered Arts focuses on human-centric use cases for robots in entertainment, education, and research.
The company integrates AI technologies like OpenAI's ChatGPT to enhance robot interactions and create compelling user experiences.
Engineered Arts is exploring potential applications for robots in elder care and medical settings to address staffing shortages and provide companionship.
The company believes that while humanoid robots are valuable for communication, other applications may benefit from non-humanoid forms.
