Thursday, January 7, 2021

Here We Go. Robots Can Now Decode Human Personality Traits.

 

The ability of software to recognize faces has fast become a staple amongst a wide variety of software, security and robotic systems and technologies. Now, with the advances and power of AI (artificial neural networking, actually) we can apply diagnostic extraction technology designed to identify human personality traits from captured facial images. Essentially, profiling the personality make up of observed humans. This is what I call ‘derived facial diagnostics’. It is happening, and it is making robots smarter, more powerful and yes, more human-like. 

Long considered as a pseudo-science AI is proving that there is indeed a validity to the technique that, yes, the very construct of one’s face presents a roadmap view into DNA defined personality.  I reference a just published research report published on Nature.com: “…results demonstrate that real-life photographs taken in uncontrolled conditions can be used to predict personality traits using complex computer vision algorithms.” (1)

My purpose here is not to discuss the surrounding ethical, moral and social implications of this technology only to observe that when properly used it can provide a significant advance in the potential utility of robot-human interactions. No matter your position on these matters, history teaches that the derived benefits will surely ensure that it happens.

So how might such a technology be used in and with robots?

This technology has already advanced to a point where a facial image capture can return key personality traits in under two seconds. Quite sufficient to for the robot to gauge a path to take for continuing in the interaction or dialogue. So, whether it is making recommendations on potential products such as food choices, clothing, hotels or vacation destinations, a more informed robot can provide a more informed suggestion.

Analyzed over a series of interactions marketers can refine their offers by augmenting robot captured queries with the key personality traits of queriers. Communications via messages, advertisements and product offers powered by personality-based diagnostics, would supply savvy marketers with an advantage. No matter how small the competitive advantage, it is a knowledge-based advantage that will tip the competitive scale.

Extending robot interaction is another. Humans get bored quickly. This is a serious issue with robot engagement. If the human feels disconnected from the interaction by way of generalized robot responses, they simply walk away. However, if the human feels more deeply connected to the dialogue which can now be made personality driven, the likelihood of continued engagement length increases. Thus, given more time to interaction, means more time to sell, suggest or convey a promotional theme, message. More success.

My testing of this technology has served to substantiate its power and advancing validity. If you are a robot developer, feel free to reach out to me for a discussion about securing early preview access to this technology.

(1) Assessing the Big Five personality traits using real-life static facial images Alexander KachurEvgeny OsinDenis DavydovKonstantin Shutilov & Alexey Novokshonov 

 

Mike Radice is Chairman of the Technology Advisory at ChartaCloudRobotics.com and Robotteca.com. You can contact mike at info@chartacloud.com