Nigel the Robot Wants to Get Know You

Artificial intelligence system called Nigel here to help 

Two heads are better than one, the old saying goes, and how many times have we longed for help in making decisions, both big and small? When we can't find that special someone that really understands us, we can feel like we are just flapping in the wind.

Enter Nigel. An artificial intelligence system that is here to help. Kimera Systems has created what it calls a robot but is really just an AI network, named Nigel. It is specifically designed to learn a person's thinking and behavior patterns. From that understanding, it can offer advice tailored to each user.  

                                             Mounir Shita Scientist and developer of Nigel

Speaking to BBC Mounir Shita, founder of Kimera Systems, said: “Nigel tries to figure you out; your goals and what reality looks like to you and is consistently assimilating paths to the future to reach your goals. It’s constantly trying to push you in the right direction.”

It will do so by using algorithms that learn as it goes and adapts to new information. Most AI neural systems work by ingesting information and processing it to achieve a specific goal determined by the programmer. 

Nigel uses newly designed system algorithms that seek to connect to data in a non-linear way, more like a tree branch or spider web. With more information, it gains a deeper knowledge of a person and can create a richer profile

From that foundation, it can come up with suggestions and advice to some of lifes most pressing problems customized to each user. 

Though not ready to tell you who to marry or where to spend your next vacation yet, the system is laying the groundwork to get there.

Shita said: “Our goal is by this time next year, have Nigel read and write at a grade school level. Then hopefully it will gain enough knowledge to be able to assist you in political discussions and elections.” Article