Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionise consumer robotics as robots become more capable of processing data, making decisions and interacting with humans says Forbes

Bhavya Gohil, CEO of the smart toys and games start-up, Square Off, writing in Forbes, says artificial intelligence (AI) will have a favourable effect on the future of consumer robotics as it opens up new possibilities that will allow robots to perform a broader range of tasks more efficiently.

Advancing home tech

Robots have become capable of performing tasks that were once considered uniquely within the human domain, particularly in the home where robot hoovers, lawnmowers and personal assistants have become widespread. According to Gohil, consumer robotics are set to make an even larger impact in the home. As smart homes and the Internet of Things (IoT) develop, robots will become increasingly capable of interacting with other home devices and systems to automate typical domestic tasks.

One especially transformative force within the field of consumer robotics is AI technology, which allows robots to carry out tasks more efficiently and independently. Because it gives robots the ability to process vast quantities of data and then base their decisions on that data, Gohil claims, this kind of technology can significantly enhance the capabilities of consumer robots in a number of ways.

 

Improved interaction and social skills

One of the aspects of consumer robotics AI has the potential to improve is robots’ ability to interact with their environment, which will significantly enhance their capacity to perform. If a robot vacuum cleaner has the ability to learn the layout of a home, for example, it will be able to clean that home more effectively over time.

Another facet of consumer robotics AI can improve is robots’ communication and social skills. With artificial intelligence, robots can recognize and respond to human emotions and interact with people in more natural and human-like ways, says Gohil. This capacity is especially useful in applications where the ability to communicate and interact with people is essential, such as personal assistants or home healthcare robots.

 

Smart toys with AI. (Photo: Unsplash)

Smart and educational toys

The evolution of robotics to include AI will also have an effect on smart toys and Gohil believes these toys will go beyond providing fun to become educational tools that offer children interactive and engaging learning experiences. Smart toys powerd by artificial intelligence can respond to children’s actions or voice commands using their incorporated sensors and motors, and allow them to learn by interacting with the toy.

Beyond the educational benefits, smart toys can help children develop social skills, problem-solving abilities and creativity. Another added benefit of these interactive toys is that they may keep kids away from screens and promote physical activity through play.

Although some believe consumer robots have the potential to invade privacy in the home, Gohil argues that as AI technology continues to improve, consumer robots will become even more generalized and widely-accepted in the home and elsewhere.

 

Included in Forbes 30 under 30 Asia in 2022, Gohil, as the inventor of the world’s first tele-robotic chessboard and CEO and co-founder of the robotics-enabled toys and games company, Square Off, is an expert in the field of consumer robotics.

Square Off, established in 2015 in India, is now California-based. The firm’s first product, the telerobotic chess board, Square Off Chess, was named the coolest tech product of 2017 by Digital Trends & Innovation and went on to win the CES innovation Award in 2019. The firm continues to develop what it calls “machines that feel more human than mechanical” and is currently preparing three upcoming new product launches while it continues to develop additional conception-stage smart toys.