Seizing 'Spilled Emotions' to Empower Real Teachers with a Robust Guidance Tool

Summary

1. AI that Embraces Emotions to Supplement Teacher Shortages and Individual Attention Limits

In educational settings, the shortage of teachers and the lack of time to engage with each student individually are becoming critical issues. Logica Education has developed an AI that analyzes biometric responses (such as facial expressions, pulse, and concentration levels) through cameras to estimate students' comprehension and emotional states during learning. By integrating this with generative AI, the system aims to supplement some of the teacher's roles by providing timely interventions and advice based on the students' conditions.

2. Expanding Application Areas from Inquiry-Based Learning to Homeschooling and Truancy

With the spread of inquiry-based learning, the role of teachers is shifting from 'teaching' to 'encouraging and accompanying.' By taking on this accompanying role, AI is expected to be utilized not only in classrooms but also in supporting home learning for truant children and in managing and motivating learning at home. AI could potentially replace tutors or parents, supporting the continuity of learning.

3. A Coexistence Model of Humans and AI Based on Empathy and Risk Awareness

The company advocates for a perspective that views AI not as a tool to completely eliminate hallucinations or errors, but as a being that grows by recognizing and learning from mistakes. Meanwhile, it emphasizes the importance of measures against prompt hacking and harmful information, as well as the necessity of AI literacy education. Looking forward to deploying in education, welfare, and driving assistance, the company envisions implementing AI in society not as a substitute for humans but as a 'sympathetic assistant.'

The futuristic cat robot Doraemon, who helps the academically challenged Nobita with convenient gadgets in response to his requests, often bullied by Gian and Suneo. Meanwhile, in the modern era, ChatGPT has become popular as a familiar consultant. Generative AI could potentially become a reliable friend to humanity.

This time, we spoke with Logica Education, which holds a patent for an 'AI assistant that empathizes with human emotions,' described as a 'modern-day Doraemon.' We discussed how AI could act like a friend.

Responding to our interview were Mr. Seki, the Director and CTO, and Ms. Minami, the Director and CMO. The company announced a project to utilize 'emotion-empathizing AI' in educational settings.

'In operating programming classes for children, we heard from teachers on the ground about severe shortages and the lack of time to engage individually with each child,' said Ms. Minami.

'We learned that with just a webcam, it's possible to judge students' comprehension and concentration levels from their biometric responses. We came up with the idea of merging this emotion analysis with generative AI to have AI provide timely interventions during learning,' she explained.

'As we refine the system, it becomes possible to discern whether children find the problems difficult or are already relaxed having solved them. Advice can be given as needed,' she added.

'As the Ministry of Education promotes 'inquiry-based learning,' where students choose and engage with their own learning topics, teachers will increasingly play a role in encouraging students and prompting those who have paused to concentrate. This role is expected to be replaced by AI,' she predicted.

Mr. Seki also mentioned another benefit of introducing AI.

'With the increasing number of children not attending school, many of them will engage in home learning. AI could take on roles in motivating and managing learning at home, substituting for parents or tutors,' he said.

The company is in the process of repeatedly testing to enhance the accuracy of AI towards practical application.