The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is set to release a new family robot named JIBO by the end of 2015. Developed by Professor Cynthia Breazeal and her team, JIBO is designed to be a social robot that interacts with family members. It can take and make video calls, remind family members of upcoming tasks, greet them when they enter the room, and even tell stories to children. The goal is to create a robot that is not only capable of performing various tasks but can also become an electronic family member over time.
Breazeal emphasizes that the technology behind JIBO is meant to be human-like. The robot is affordable, costing only $500, so that families can enjoy the benefits of robot technology without breaking the bank. The project is supported by investors who have contributed $5.6 million, and a crowdfunding campaign has raised an additional $1.5 million. However, some people are concerned about the potential privacy risks associated with JIBO. The robot has built-in cameras and microphones that could potentially record and sell personal data to third parties. Additionally, the use of external applications could create a vulnerability in terms of data security.
Despite these concerns, the high level of interest and funding for JIBO suggests that there is a strong demand for social robots in the market. With its ability to constantly evolve through the use of external applications, JIBO has the potential to become a valuable addition to many families.
