Meet Iris: 麻豆视频作品Unveils its First Artificial Intelligence (AI) Robot
Iris interacting with creator Aref Zahed
Meet , 麻豆视频作品鈥檚 first AI-powered robot鈥攂lending cutting-edge artificial intelligence with natural human interaction.
Created by Department of Computer Science Professorial Lecturer Aref Zahed, Iris is Zahed鈥檚 third AI project, following his earlier launch of a six-legged "Spidey鈥 robot and an AI-powered teaching assistant named Sarah. Building on these successes, Zahed takes AI interaction to the next level with Iris鈥檚 human-like engagement and enhanced technology.
Iris remembers names, turns to face whoever鈥檚 speaking, speaks nine languages, answers complex questions, summarizes classes, prepares documents, and even writes and explains code. Whether she鈥檚 recognizing a familiar face, talking to students, or displaying responses wirelessly on nearby screens, Iris is redefining human-AI interaction on campus.
Beyond a Search Engine: Iris in Action
Iris harnesses the power of ChatGPT alongside Google鈥檚 search engine. It鈥檚 a powerful combination鈥攁llowing her to analyze complex topics, generate precise answers, and adapt her responses based on context.
In a recent demonstration, Zahed asked her to implement Python code, find photos of Mars, and briefly describe the concept of iron deficiency. Then, he took it a step further鈥攁sking Iris to explain 鈥淓instein-Rosen bridges鈥 in German. Iris interpreted each request logically, tailored her responses, and displayed them on a nearby screen.
Ask Iris Anything鈥擣rom Quantum Physics to March Madness
But Iris isn鈥檛 just a high-powered research tool鈥攕he鈥檚 also engaging, intuitive, and fun. 听
Need to know the weather, the history of March Madness, or when DC鈥檚 cherry blossoms will peak? Ask Iris鈥攕he listens, turns toward the speaker, and processes sound much like a human.
鈥淚ris is designed to interact with people in a way that feels natural,鈥 Zahed says. 鈥淪he can use vision and face-recognition technology to identify people who have introduced themselves, recognize them by name, and recall past interactions. She analyzes surroundings using image processing and sound analysis, making her interactions even more lifelike.鈥
A Practical AI Assistant for Learning and Productivity
Iris is also designed to enhance learning and productivity. 鈥淚f I鈥檓 teaching a class, I can ask Iris to generate a summary,鈥 Zahed explains. 鈥淪he can compile information, put it together into structured documents, and make it instantly available for students who missed a session. She can also translate my lessons into different languages鈥攐ne student recently asked for Chinese translations, and Iris prepared them.鈥
Iris can write letters and grant proposals, answer research questions, and code in multiple programming languages, including C, C#, Java, and Python.
Iris is energy-efficient鈥攕he鈥檚 fully solar-powered, making her a sustainable AI innovation. Beyond that, she can help manage classroom environments, using image and sound analysis to adjust lighting, control audio-visual devices, and request temperature changes based on occupancy. 鈥淪he can even send messages to police or security in case of emergencies,鈥 Zahed adds.
The Future of Iris
While Iris is already an impressive feat of AI engineering, Zahed envisions even greater capabilities.
鈥淭he next step is optimization and mechanics,鈥 he says. 鈥淩ight now, Iris can move her neck towards sound, but I鈥檓 working on giving her hands and feet to enhance her mobility and interaction.鈥
Iris creator, Professor Aref Zahed
As AI-powered humanoid robots continue to evolve, Zahed believes they will transform industries by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and reshaping traditional labor structures.
鈥淛ust as past technological revolutions reshaped society, AI-powered robots will create new economic opportunities while challenging traditional labor models,鈥 he says. 鈥淲ith careful integration, these innovations can drive unprecedented progress, making work more optional and prosperity more accessible.鈥
Iris may be AU鈥檚 first AI robot, but she represents just the beginning of an exciting new frontier in human-AI collaboration at 麻豆视频作品. 鈥淭he possibilities for AI in education are expanding, and I'm excited to continue pushing the boundaries,鈥 says Zahed.