Teaching Baby Robot to Talk

Parents instinctively and naturally teach babies how to talk, but how does that work, exactly? Researchers at at the University of Plymouth will try to find out. Over the next four years robotics experts will work with language development specialists will work with a one meter tall humanoid baby robot named iCub in an attempt to discover exactly how language development works. The team’s findings will hopefully lead to the development of humanoid robots that think, learn and talk. With a bit more technical jargon, Angelo Cangelosi, Professor in Artificial Intelligence said: “The outcome of the research will define the scientific and technological requirements for the design of humanoid robots able to develop complex behavioral, thinking and communication skills through individual and social learning.” Maybe they should just do want a lot of parents unfortunately do these days, just plop iCub down in front of a TV.