It is happening, and it is making robots smarter, more powerful and yes, more human-like. 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 suggest personality traits from captured facial images. Essentially, profiling the personality make up of observed humans. This is what I call ‘derived facial diagnostics’.
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 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
commercial 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 derived from those accumulated queries. 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 can tip
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 or 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 early preview access to this technology.
(1) Assessing the Big Five personality
traits using real-life static facial images Alexander Kachur, Evgeny Osin, Denis Davydov, Konstantin Shutilov & Alexey Novokshonov
