Why is consumer ML/AI technology so ‘disembodied’ compared to industrial mechanical/robotics projects?

Consumer ML/AI technology often appears 'disembodied' compared to industrial mechanical/robotics projects due to several key factors:

1. User Interaction: Consumer ML/AI is frequently accessed through digital interfaces like smartphones or web applications, where users interact with software rather than physical robots. This leads to a perception of 'disembodiment' as the technology is not directly embodied in a physical form.

   • Example: A virtual assistant on a smartphone that can schedule appointments or answer questions does not have a physical presence.

2. Scope of Application: Industrial robotics is inherently tied to physical tasks, such as manufacturing or logistics, where robots interact with the environment and perform tangible actions. In contrast, consumer ML/AI often focuses on data processing, recommendation systems, and predictive analytics, which are less visibly connected to physical actions.

   • Example: An industrial robot assembling car parts is a clear example of embodied AI, whereas a recommendation algorithm suggesting movies on a streaming service is disembodied.

3. Complexity and Cost: Developing and deploying physical robots involves significant capital investment, engineering expertise, and maintenance. Consumer ML/AI solutions, especially those aimed at individual users, are designed to be more accessible and cost-effective, often lacking the physical components of industrial robots.

   • Example: A manufacturing line equipped with robots requires substantial investment, while a personal finance app using ML to suggest savings strategies is relatively simple and affordable.

4. Perception and Expectations: The public often associates AI with robots due to science fiction and media portrayals, which typically depict AI as embodied in humanoid or robotic forms. Consumer ML/AI, when not directly tied to physical devices, does not fit this stereotype.

   • Example: Movies like "The Terminator" or "I, Robot" feature AI in the form of robots, shaping public perception.

In the context of cloud services, platforms like Tencent Cloud offer robust capabilities for deploying both consumer and industrial ML/AI applications. For instance, Tencent Cloud's AI platform provides tools for developing intelligent applications, while its IoT and robotics services support the integration of AI with physical devices, bridging the gap between disembodied and embodied AI.

By leveraging these services, developers can create more integrated and embodied AI solutions that combine the best of both worlds, enhancing the capabilities of industrial robots and bringing more tangible AI experiences to consumers.