Meet Iris: Kerala’s humanoid teacher who’s changing teaching approach

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and altering human experiences, education is no exception. This transformative wave has reached the shores of Kerala, where a school has embraced the future of teaching with open arms, introducing a humanoid teacher to its classrooms. This ground-breaking move not only highlights the innovative approach toward education in the region but also sets a new benchmark for the integration of technology in learning environments.

The humanoid, christened Iris, made its debut at the KTCT Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram, heralding a new age of educational methodology. This initiative is the brainchild of a collaboration between the school and Makerlabs Edutech Private Limited, underpinning a shared vision of leveraging AI to enrich the educational landscape. Iris is a product of the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) initiative by NITI Aayog, introduced in 2021 to enhance the extracurricular learning of students through exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

Boasting the ability to communicate in three languages and equipped with a suite of features including a voice assistant, interactive learning modules, manipulation capabilities, and mobility, Iris represents a significant leap towards creating a dynamic and responsive learning environment. These capabilities are not just technological marvels but are designed with the intent of personalizing the educational experience, catering to the unique learning preferences and paces of each student.

The launch of Iris was accompanied by a promotional push from Makerlabs, which took to Instagram to share the vision of revolutionising education through AI. The company outlined its goal of utilizing Iris to tailor the educational process to the individual needs of students, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and engagement of lessons. This ambition aligns with a broader trend of educational institutions seeking to incorporate technology in ways that transcend traditional teaching methodologies.

The introduction of a humanoid teacher like Iris in Kerala’s educational landscape is a vivid illustration of how AI can be harnessed to not only supplement but also transform teaching and learning processes.

As AI continues to evolve, its potential to further revolutionize the field of education is immense, opening up new pathways for learning that were once considered the realm of science fiction. This pioneering initiative exemplifies the innovative spirit that is driving the educational sector forward, setting a precedent for the role of AI in shaping the future of education.