We are not the only ones who are imagining AI assistants embodied in human form. In a
Wired article discussing the so-called
Mirrorworld,
Kevin Kelly visualizes the next big tech
platform:
“In the mirrorworld, virtual bots will become embodied. Agents like Siri and Alexa will take on 3D forms that can see and be seen. They will be able not just to hear our voices but also see our gestures and pick up on our microexpressions.”
They will, essentially, become AI avatars. Powered by voice AI and computer vision, avatars will become the primary agents humans engage with when interacting with all interfaces. Our devices will turn on with a simple gaze. By understanding our actions, such as repeatedly scratching the skin, they will know to increase the humidity in the room. By understanding our mood changes, they can understand which of our favorite songs to play on Spotify.
With eyes, our virtual assistants no longer serve as our virtual slaves but instead transform into intelligent avatars that engage with us in a “soulful” manner. They can be emotionally connected to us through gazing and effectively serve us through seeing, while opening a new chapter of human-machine interaction.