This AI Tamagotchi Turns Everyday Objects Into Needy Virtual Pets
A Carnegie Mellon student’s tiny E Ink gadgets, called OATs, give houseplants, skateboards, and dumbbells expressive personalities to nudge you toward better habits.
A new AI project, called OATs or Object Agent Twins, aims to provide virtual pets for everyday household items. Developed by a PhD student, these tiny avatars with E Ink displays attach themselves to objects through sensors tracking moisture, temperature, and other variables. When an object experiences low humidity or long periods without use, the avatar displays unhappy faces, encouraging users to maintain the object.
The project, presented at a user interface conference, is currently a prototype with a short battery life, lasting just a few days. Some potential uses include reminding users to water plants, warning them about 3D printers, and tracking personal fitness goals with workout equipment. While the concept has generated interest, discussions have emerged about the ethics of anthropomorphizing AI.
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