Fox News Reported that Miko, an artificial intelligence-powered robot designed to enhance children’s learning experience, is making waves in the education industry. Developed by an Indian company founded in 2015, Miko aims to revolutionize education by personalizing the learning process for kids.
According to Ritvik Sharma, the Senior Vice President of Growth at Miko, the robot is equipped with advanced AI capabilities that enable it to engage in back-and-forth conversations with children. Parents have full control over the topics that Miko can discuss, allowing them to tailor the robot’s interactions to their child’s specific needs. For example, if a parent wants their child to improve their social skills, they can provide Miko with relevant context, prompting the robot to initiate conversations centered around social topics.
During these conversations, Miko’s AI learns about the child’s responses, interests, and level of engagement. This personalized experience, combined with cutting-edge AI technology, aims to elevate the educational journey for children. Miko does not provide direct access to the internet, ensuring that children are exposed only to curated content from Miko’s own platform or third-party publishers.
To enhance the learning experience, Miko comes with various apps developed in collaboration with multicultural educators and child psychologists. These apps cover a wide range of subjects, including language arts, health and fitness, coding, and geography. Notably, partnerships with renowned companies such as Disney and Paramount have led to the creation of educational content on Miko’s platform.
Despite concerns about children using AI-based products, Miko has taken measures to prioritize privacy and security. The robot includes a physical hardware shutter for the camera, alleviating customer concerns about privacy invasion. Additionally, Miko does not store any personal information, ensuring data protection.
While Miko has received tremendous feedback from consumers and witnessed significant sales growth, experts caution against viewing robots like Miko as a complete replacement for in-person education. Michele Borba, a parenting expert, and educational psychologist, highlights the importance of human teaching and social connections in children’s development. While AI can supplement education, it should not replace the critical role of teachers and human interaction.
Looking ahead, Miko plans to expand its generative AI technology to cater to different aspects of children’s education and creativity. The company aims to develop capabilities such as generating sheet music and exploring non-fungible tokens (NFTs). In September 2023, Miko plans to launch the more affordable Miko Mini, a voice-controlled device powered by ChatGPT.
Miko’s mission is to provide parents with a safe and confident solution for their children’s education. By combining AI technology with personalized learning experiences, Miko strives to enhance children’s skills and foster their curiosity in a controlled and secure environment. However, it remains important to strike a balance between the benefits of AI and the irreplaceable human connection in education.
