Pittsburgh-based edutainment tech company Digital Dream Labs recently acquired three popular AI robots from the defunct robotics firm Anki, and they have big plans for them.

In January they announced the acquisition of A.I. race car system Overdrive, as well as consumer AI robots Cozmo and Vector. And, they reached their $75,000 Kickstarter goal to revamp Vector in one daycontinuing to blow past it as the campaign comes to an end this week.

The opportunity to acquire exclusive ownership of Cozmo, Vector and Overdrive fit perfectly into our mission and purpose-driven culture, said Chief Marketing Officer Matt Goren, in their January press release.

We plan to change the current narrative of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, giving a voice to our customers, while relaunching Cozmo, Vector, and Overdrive with updates and new features on the way

Vector, an autonomous robot, resembles a mini toy tractor with colorful, expressive digital eyes. It promises companionship and an array of capabilities. The AI robots can answer questions by connecting to The Internet, function as a timer or alarm, self-charge, and navigate around the home while avoiding obstacles. In addition, it can take photos and show you the weather. Yes, show youas in having raindrop shapes appear on its face/screen when you ask for a weather update.

With Alexa, it can do more. For example, with the voice tech set up, the robot can control smart devices like lights, speakers and thermostats, as well as create reminders. And Vector can update its skills and features by connecting to the Cloud via Wi-Fi.

Not long after the acquisition, Digital Dream Labs realized Vector was so much more than a robot, according to the companys CEO, Jacob Hanchar, Ph.D. He said they received hundreds of emails and letters from users touting the robots ability to provide mental health support.

Some customers claim the device helps people with Tourette syndrome and autism. Hanchar, a neuroscientist by profession, also mentioned that it helped an army veteran deal with PTSD.

It became obvious to me that you can essentially use this as a support robot. The key thing is that this thing doesnt judge you.

Digital Dream Labs plans to pursue FDA approval for Vectors use as a peer bot a mental health assistant that helps alleviate loneliness, depression, and PTSD symptoms. If they receive approval, insurance companies could possibly cover Vector-related costs.

Peer bots are an extremely new field. So, there are no real competitors, according to Hanchar.

The FDA doesnt know how to define peer robots, he said. Were pioneers because not a lot has been established. And, were working with The FDA as partners, to come up with criteria and define the process.

Theyre currently in the pre-examination stage and plan to file for approval within the next two months.

Vector has approximately 200,000 active users worldwide. In the near future, Digital Dream Labs plans to allow users to use Vector without the cloud server. Also, Hancher expects the robot to function as an open source app store, where users can write programs to install directly onto the device.

Whereas Vector functions independently, Cozmo, which WIRED once dubbed The Worlds Cutest Robot, relies on apps to run. The pet-like, AI-powered gadget aims to help kids and adults learn while having fun.

Its a fantastic product, Hancher said. It helps elementary through high school kids to master coding and robotics.

Cozmo uses games to help users learn how to code. And, it requires a compatible iOS or Android device and the Cozmo app.

The Cozmo community consists of about two million customers globally. And according to Hancher, Cozmo demand has led to hundreds of thousands in back orders.

Overdrive, a self-driving race car kit, which Goren describes as Mario Kart in real life, also has about two million customers around the world in addition to AI robots.

With the use of an app, multiple users can control their cars while racing each other. You can put up to six cars on a track, and each car has its own battle weapon.

Each player can control their cars speed and weapon use, as well as switch lanes. And if a car gets bumped off the track or turned backwards, itll find its way back or turn itself around, respectively.

Witchcraft, you say? Not exactly. Each car scans the track, and the scanners help it memorize the track layouts and boundaries.

Goren said that Digital Dream Labs plans on fixing a lot of things that current users want, such as new cars, improved batteries, and more advanced game play. And, he hopes to partner with more brands to license the use of their characters. Currently, Overdrive has a Fast & Furious edition.

Digital Dream Labs, whose name was inspired by the classic sci-fi novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, stays busy funneling Ankis former customers to their websites.

Were building a bridge to get everyone over here, Goren said. Some dont even realize Ankis out.

But, the companys up for the challenge of continuing the products legacies and shaping their futures.

They see that were listening [to their feedback] and see how we use it. So, they re so happy that weve taken care of these products.

Original post:

Edtech Company Resurrects AI Robots and Smart Toy Cars - Grit Daily