Source URL: https://aftermath.site/moxie-robot-ai-dying-llm-embodied
Source: Hacker News
Title: AI Company That Made Robots for Children Went Bust and Now the Robots Are Dying
Feedly Summary: Comments
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Embodied, an AI company best known for its social robot Moxie, has announced its closure due to financial woes and lack of funding. This has significant implications not only for the users of Moxie, particularly families of autistic children, but also raises ethical concerns regarding the reliance on AI, especially Large Language Models (LLMs), to foster social interactions among vulnerable populations.
Detailed Description:
– **Company Closure and Product Impact**:
– Embodied has ceased operations, which directly affects the functionality of Moxie, an AI-powered robot designed to help autistic children.
– Moxie, priced at $799.00, relied on cloud-based large language models for its operations and interactions.
– The shutdown means Moxie will stop functioning shortly, with no refunds or service options available for customers.
– **Emotional Responses from Users**:
– Parents of children using Moxie reported emotional distress over the shutdown, as they have to explain the situation to their kids, who view Moxie as more than a device.
– The company attempted to ease the emotional impact by providing resources to help parents discuss the closure with their children.
– **Broader Concerns About AI in Social Interactions**:
– The use of LLMs to guide social development in children, particularly those with special needs, is questioned.
– Ethical implications are raised regarding the dependency on AI for critical social learning processes.
– The situation highlights the sustainability challenges within the AI sector, where products are expensive to maintain and operate, raising fear of abandonment for consumers when companies fail.
– **Industry Implications and Future Considerations**:
– This case exemplifies the fragility of cloud-based AI devices and their dependence on the financial health of companies.
– It raises questions about the long-term support and viability of products in the AI space, particularly those targeting sensitive user demographics.
– Current users reflect a growing unease about integrating AI into daily life, especially in nurturing contexts.
Overall, the closure of Embodied serves as a cautionary tale regarding the reliance on advanced AI technology, particularly in areas of emotional connection and social development. The situation underscores the need for more robust business models and ethical considerations in the deployment of AI solutions for vulnerable populations.