Technologies
Development of a child companion robot is a multidisciplinary endeavor. While most activities will be the derivative application of known technologies, it is also expected that significant basic research will need to be undertaken to increase fundamental knowledge as it applies to this unique domain. Ultimately all insights will need to expressible through the technologies embedded in the robot or made available in near real-time over a wireless datalink. It is through the application of a diverse set of technologies that we get to express our intentions for great childhood experiences.
Embedded Systems
Embedded electronics, sensors, actuators and processors will contribute the core functionality for the opportunity to create an expressive robot through software and the insights of humans and artificial intelligence.
Machine Learning
The robot will be placed in situations that it will need to learn and adapt, it will not always have the answer but ideally it it will have a way to work towards a good one.
Early Childhood Behaviors
The expertise of parents, educators and childcare givers will play a critical part in ensuring desirable childhood experiences.
People Skills
The most important skill for a companion robot will be its people skills. Hopefully we will attract people with people skills, to guide us along the way.
Mechatronics
Uniting the principles of mechanics, electrical, electronics, and computing to create a physical capable anthropomorphic child size robot.
Language Models
Speech recognition and artificial intelligence for child gesture and activity assessment.