Networked children's robot Moxie AI dies because company is bankrupt
Moxie AI was supposed to help children with social difficulties. Unexpectedly, the networked robot goes offline, which could traumatize the children.
(Image: Embodied)
Embodied, Inc. is insolvent and closes down. This renders Moxie AI, the company's networked children's robot, useless. The device was designed to support the development of children "with special social and emotional needs" in particular. But without cloud services, the approximately 35 cm tall, battery-powered robot will become a heavy, lifeless doll in just a few days.
According to Embodied, a prospective backer withdrew at short notice, which is why the closure of the company is unavoidable. Accordingly, there are no refunds for the 800 US dollar Moxie AI, except perhaps for customers who have ordered in the last 30 days. Heise was unable to find any information online about the imminent end of service on the Embodied and Moxie AI homepages; the online store only shows Moxie AI as sold out. The children's robot was only sold in the USA.
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However, there is a relevant FAQ webpage, the link to which Embodied has apparently given directly to existing customers. There, Embodied promises to delete the data stored online about the children unless someone is found who continues to operate the subscription service. Moxie AI used a large language model that was designed to enable fluid and natural communication, among other things. Its long-term memory enabled the robot to remember people, places and things and pick them up again in conversations. This should help Moxie AI build lasting relationships with people.
Machine friend
What made Moxie AI special was its curved faceplate. Pixar-like eyes and a mouth were displayed on it and animated to match the speech. A loudspeaker, four microphones and a 2-megapixel camera were built into the rotating head. Moxie AI not only recognized different people by their face and speech, but also their emotional state. The robot then adapted to the individual child accordingly. Prompts for physical movement were also part of the program.
(Image:Â Embodied)
Although Moxie AI was not marketed as a medical product, it was certainly marketed as an aid for children with special needs. "Children with diagnoses such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder, etc." could benefit from interaction with Moxie, according to the Moxie website. "In our clinical studies, Moxie has been shown to help children make friends, improve communication, regulate emotions and concentrate better."
Psychological trap
These strengths are now proving to be a boomerang. "The robots are becoming caregivers, especially for people with contact difficulties such as autistic children," explains Viennese psychologist Dr. Marion Kern. "The failure of the machine companion can become a serious problem for the people concerned." Of course, the parents also suffer the consequences. "Autistic children in particular see robots as friends; they are often the only window to the world that is allowed in. If this suddenly disappears, parents are faced with the seemingly unsolvable question of how to explain this to the child and what to do next."
The FAQ Embodieds mention a letter with help for parents, but heise online was unable to view it. According to Kern, the problem is difficult: "Any kind of change or break in habit is an enormous stress factor for autistic people, which often results in a worsening of symptoms and even further social withdrawal. That's why swapping it for another robot won't be effective."
"In crisis situations, animals have often proved to be a good way of reaching children, as they trust them. Contact with animals has been proven to reduce stress," explains Kern, "Psychological support during this transition process is a good aid, if available. In any case, it will take a lot of patience, understanding and empathy." And money - animals and psychologists are not free. Some families have bought the device in installments and will probably have to pay off the loan in full, even if Moxie AI is nothing more than electronic waste.
The Viennese psychologist doubts that robots are the last word in wisdom for children, "especially as children in particular will find it even more difficult to find their way in the social world as adults. Human contact should not be dispensed with, even if it seems superficial and unimportant for autistic children; it is essential for their development and later orientation in society."
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