In a long-term research study essentially exploring the uses of interactive computers in educational environments, thereby marking advancements in the field of real-time, social robotics, computer scientists everywhere are developing robots for teaching children.

One such project – dubbed ‘Robot Using Bayesian Inference’ or RUBI – comprises ‘teaching robots’ developed by “The Machine Perception Laboratory” at the University of California, San Diego. The California University is testing RUBI, along with Sony’s QRIO robot, for teaching toddlers; sans the involvement of any human emotions.

The warm and lovingly chubby RUBI nursery robot is a three feet tall robot, which displays different facial expressions to retain the attention of the young students. The kids can hug RUBI, as well as play certain computer games on a TV on its chest.

The researchers essentially assess the manner in which the kids react to the robots; and what kind of teaching methods bring out the best results. The future plans pertaining to the RUBI project – which will continue till the time the funds permit - include the improvements in the interactive nature of the robots.

Though most of the teaching work assigned to the robots is very elementary in nature at present, there are no two ways about the fact that the effectiveness or otherwise of the innovative ‘teaching robots’ project will almost certainly draw diverse views!