When it comes to the subject of robotics, opinions seem divisively split. For some, robotics holds the promise of a bright future filled with technological progress and luxury. For others, the robots are ready to take our jobs.
Artificial intelligence is progressing much faster than almost anyone could have expected. It’s important to understand the level of intelligence that has been developed in this field. Among the many examples of how far robotics has come is the work of Dallas-based company RoboKind, whose robot named Milo was selected as one of the six most powerful robots in the world today in a recent ranking conducted by Ladders.
Developed by RoboKind as a socially advanced robot that stands two feet tall, Milo provides support in the development of social and communication skills for children with autism. Through consistent speech patterns and behavior repetition, Milo provides students with a model for positive social behavior.
“All children with autism have problems with social interactions but they are really, really good at technology,” said Pamela Rawlines, who worked with RoboKind to develop Milo, in a recent interview with CNN. “Milo creates that bridge because he is humanoid, has a human-like face, but it’s cartoonish so children on the spectrum are engaged with him.”
The Robots4Autism program developed by RoboKind has already been implemented in 285 schools across America, and its creators are hoping to bring Milo into as many as 2,000 schools by the end of the year.
With so much of the conversation around the future of artificial intelligence being focused on negative outcomes, Milo is an excellent example of the upside to working with machines, and his place on Ladders’ robot list is well deserved.
For a look at other robots ranked alongside Milo, check out Ladders’ full list here.