Summary Points
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AI Physicality: The MIT course “Interaction Intelligence” explores how AI can transition from digital to tangible objects, creating interactive devices known as large language objects (LLOs) that provide real-world, context-aware experiences.
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Innovative Kitchen Tool: Students Jacob Payne and Ayah Mahmoud designed “Kitchen Cosmo,” a recipe-generating device that interacts with cooking parameters and individual user preferences, inspired by the 1969 Honeywell Kitchen Computer.
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Human-Centric Design: Unlike typical AI, Kitchen Cosmo aims to act as a kitchen partner, integrating tactile interfaces and evolving interactions based on subjective inputs like mood and skill level, while acknowledging cultural flavors.
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Future Enhancements: Future iterations of Kitchen Cosmo may include multi-person instructions and AI training in food science, emphasizing the potential for AI to fully understand and enhance individual cooking experiences.
Revolutionizing AI Interaction
MIT’s latest course, Interaction Intelligence, explores how artificial intelligence can go beyond screens. Students focus on creating large language objects (LLOs). These physical devices interact with users in real time, providing valuable support for novice and expert cooks alike. Marcelo Coelho, an associate professor at MIT, emphasizes the need for AI to understand real-world contexts. LLOs address this gap by being physically situated.
Kitchen Cosmo: A Culinary Companion
In this course, students Jacob Payne and Ayah Mahmoud designed Kitchen Cosmo, a kitchen-based recipe generator. Inspired by the Honeywell 316 Kitchen Computer from 1969, they aimed to create a device that simplifies cooking. Kitchen Cosmo helps users transform leftover ingredients into delicious meals. The students faced challenges with the AI’s understanding of cooking parameters, including heating and flavor profiles.
Customization and Tactile Interaction
The design incorporates user preferences like meal type, cooking skill level, and even mood. Users can dial these parameters, allowing the AI to generate tailored recipes. Unlike typical invisible AI interactions, Kitchen Cosmo serves as a physical partner in the kitchen. This hands-on approach gives users control over their cooking experience.
A Retro Design with Modern Features
The final design stands about 18 inches high and features a retro aesthetic. Equipped with a webcam, it scans ingredients, generates recipes, and even prints them. This innovative device has garnered attention in design circles for its unique approach to cooking.
Future Directions
Both students are excited about improving Kitchen Cosmo. Ideas include multi-person instructions and a “learning mode” for kitchen tools. Mahmoud aims to enhance AI’s understanding of food and user preferences, pushing the boundaries of culinary technology. This course not only inspires creativity but also lays a foundation for future advancements in design and AI.
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