Kerala Unveils First AI Teacher 'Iris' in School

Discover how this humanoid robot is transforming learning at KTCT Higher Secondary School

A student from KTCT Higher Secondary School in Kallambalam asked loudly, "What is the most expensive thing in the world?" This caught the attention of 'Iris', a humanoid draped in a saree, which listened attentively.

Iris, the first AI teacher unveiled in Kerala, changed the color of its necklace from green to orange, shook its head, and then gave the answer. It sometimes had trouble processing questions when the classroom was noisy, but when it was quiet, Iris quickly answered questions with examples and references.

Iris is a robot teacher made at the Atal Tinkering Lab in the school that uses AI to change voice to text and text to voice. Iris can speak three languages, shake hands with students, and narrate stories. It glides on wheels, turns its head, moves its hands, wears microphones as a necklace, and uses a speaker to talk back.

Meera Suresh, the school principal, said the kids love Iris because she never gets angry, always answers questions, doesn't ask questions, and never gives homework. But it can only answer questions when the classroom is quiet. He also stated “Our teachers are experts in their subjects, but the AI teacher knows all subjects. It can't replace real teachers because it doesn't understand feelings or care for students. It's just a tool to help our teachers.”

Makerslab created Iris to teach students about AI and technology and got Rs 20 lakh from the government and another Rs 20 lakh from the school management to set up the lab and allow students to explore this new aspect of scientific research.

Editors Note:

The arrival of Iris, the AI teacher, at KTCT Higher Secondary School is a big step in using technology in education. This project, backed by the Atal Tinkering Lab, shows how AI can make learning better. Iris won't replace human teachers but will help them by giving students more access to information and interactive lessons. The students are excited, and the school's effort to bring in new technology is impressive. Skoobuzz congratulates the school for initiating the project and highlights the need for technology in education, setting a good example for other schools.