A student from KTCT Higher Secondary School in Kallambalam boldly posed the question, “What is the most expensive thing in the world?” The first AI teacher in Kerala, named ‘Iris,’ attentively listened and responded with informative details, its necklace changing color as it answered. Despite occasional disruptions from network issues and chatter, Iris swiftly processed questions when the room was silent, providing answers with examples and references.

Developed by Makerlabs Edutech Private Limited, Iris operates on generative AI principles, converting voice into texts and vice versa. The humanoid can communicate in three languages, shake hands with students, and share stories. Students involved in the initiative, part of the Atal Tinkering Lab, expressed plans to enhance Iris’s interactivity by adding ‘eyes’ for student identification.

Although Iris can handle various subjects and engages students positively, the school emphasizes that it serves as a support system rather than a replacement for human teachers. The school received a government grant and contributed funds to establish the Atal Tinkering Lab, where students have been learning about AI for the past four months.

Principal Meera Suresh highlighted the excitement among students, particularly in lower KG, who appreciate Iris for its unwavering patience, consistent answers, and lack of assignments. While acknowledging Iris’s capabilities, the school underscores the importance of human teachers in understanding emotions and providing care. The humanoid, equipped with microphones as a necklace and moving on four wheels, stands as an innovative addition to the school’s technological initiatives, facilitated by a grant from the Central Government and additional contributions from the management.

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