A school in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has introduced, India’s first AI teacher robot. Created by Maker Labs and based on generative AI, the robot is called Iris. Capable of teaching subjects from nursery to Class 12, Iris currently communicates in English, Hindi, and Malayalam
In a groundbreaking move that might revolutionise Indian education, a school in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has introduced, the country’s first AI teacher robot. Created by Maker Labs and based on generative AI technology, the robot is called Iris.
Announcing the milestone on Instagram, Maker Labs stated, “Breaking boundaries in education: Introducing IRIS, India’s first AI teacher robot based on generative AI.” The company expressed its vision to transform education by leveraging AI to create personalized learning experiences. With Iris, educators can deliver engaging and effective lessons tailored to each student’s needs and preferences like never before.
In a video shared on social media, the robot is unveiled on stage at KTCT Higher Secondary School in Kerala, showcasing interactions with students inside the classroom. Iris was inaugurated by Dr K Rajeev, Director of the Space Physics Laboratory (SPL) of VSSC. The video highlights how the AI teacher has quickly become a close companion to the students at KTCT Higher Secondary School.
The AI Teacher Robot Iris is far more than just a silent observer in the classroom; it’s an interactive learning companion powered by cutting-edge Robotics and Generative AI technologies. Equipped with a dedicated Intel processor and coprocessor, Iris ensures smooth performance, while its user-friendly Android App interface puts control and interaction at users’ fingertips, guaranteeing a tailored learning journey.
Iris was built as part of the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL), a 2021 NITI Aayog project to boost students’ extracurricular activities in schools.
Functioning as an AI voice assistant, Iris responds to user inquiries, delivers explanations, and presents educational content.
Additionally, Iris’s hands, boasting 5 degrees of freedom each, enable it to handle objects, conduct demonstrations, and participate in hands-on learning experiences.
It also has a 4-wheel chassis, which allows Iris to manoeuvre freely within the environment she is deployed in, facilitating interaction with users and navigating through spaces effortlessly.
Capable of teaching subjects from nursery to Class 12, Iris currently communicates in three languages — English, Hindi, and Malayalam — with plans to expand its linguistic repertoire to over 20 languages. Furthermore, Iris is equipped with content-filtering capabilities, ensuring inappropriate content related to drugs and violence is blocked, promoting a safe and conducive learning environment.
The introduction of Iris signifies a significant advancement in the fusion of technology and education, promising to elevate learning outcomes and inspire students in novel ways. As educational institutions embrace the digital era, innovations like Iris offer a glimpse into the future of learning, where AI-driven tools complement traditional teaching methods, fostering a more immersive and effective educational environment.