Kismet The Social Robot

by admin

The incredibly complex world of human social interaction is like a puzzle.  Tone, volume, muscle tension, body language and even the accessories one decides to wear influence every interaction we have.  Most of us process this information almost unconsciously, taking into consideration a myriad of these “microexpressions” quickly and effortlessly.

However, this is not the case for all of us.  Individuals with Asperger Syndrome often have a difficult time reading social expressions.  This can be a constant source of anxiety for people with AS, but maybe it doesn’t have to be.  New technology for making daily life easier is discovered each day.  Current research by Dr. Cynthia Breazeal of the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory may result in a new way to interact with robots as well as a new way for people with AS to feel comfortable in social situations.  Dr. Breazeal continues to refine a robot named Kismet.

Kismet

Kismet

Kismet is able to learn – not a huge feat in today’s world.  How it’s able to learn is what is astounding.  Kismet reads both audio and visual social cues thanks to an advanced system of cameras, microphones and computers.  Dr. Breazeal explains more about Kismet and the way Kismet learns and interacts in the interview linked to below.

With the interface between technology and its users becoming more and more personal, the potential for it to then support people to make the same sort of personal connections with each other is huge.

For more information on “microexpressions” and Kismet please click below

: http://health.howstuffworks.com/microexpression.htm

January 14, 2009       Posted in: AS News
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