In the 1939 New York World’s Fair, a robot named Elektro captivated visitors with its ability to engage in simple conversations and exhibit a sense of humor. Manufactured by Westinghouse Electric, Elektro sparked infinite imaginations about artificial intelligence, even though it was later revealed that its dialogues were pre-recorded. Nearly a century later, with the rise of large-scale models, AI has come closer than ever to giving life to inanimate objects and conversing with humans as equals.
By the end of 2024, Volcano Engine showcased the latest integration of AI with hardware at the Force Dynamics conference in Shanghai. The future of collectible toys and figurines may well be infused with “personality,” capable of natural dialogue with users. However, embedding AI into hardware is no small feat, especially with the stringent requirements for computational resources and response speed.
Volcano Engine, with its long-term investment in Real-Time Communication (RTC) technology, has emerged as a provider of conversational AI solutions. Teaming up with the leading IoT company in China, Espressif Systems, they are empowering hardware manufacturers to step into the AI era. Espressif’s ESP32-S3 chip, integrated with Volcano Engine’s RTC capabilities, achieves rapid response and realistic dialogue.
Take ToyCity’s toy brand for instance, which plans to transform its original IP, “Paya Teacher,” into an AI-powered collectible toy. ToyCity is not just betting on its design prowess but also the robust technology behind the chip, model, and dialogue. Emerging brands like FoloToy, Luobo Smart, and Hunban Technology are also jumping on this bandwagon, believing in the amplified value of toy companionship in future society.
Volcano Engine’s custom plush toy, “Xianyan Bao,” showcased the potential of AI+hardware this Mid-Autumn Festival. Despite not being mass-produced, “Xianyan Bao” was highly sought after for its conversational experience. This indicates that once technical challenges are overcome, creativity and emotional connection will be key in the consumer market.
In the expansive AIoT market, the perception system of all things is growing stronger. Volcano Engine’s mission is the transformation from the ITization to the AIization of everything. As the remains of Elektro remind us, every day there are inventions with the potential to alter history that go unnoticed. Today, all those who dedication themselves to the AI race have the opportunity to bring to life futures that once only existed in science fiction movies.
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In the 1939 New York World’s Fair, a robot named Elektro took center stage, mesmerizing visitors with its simple dialogues and humorous charm. Crafted by Westinghouse Electric, Elektro ignited a flame of possibility within the realm of artificial intelligence, even after it was disclosed that its conversations were pre-recorded. Nearly a century later, the surge of large-scale models has brought AI closer than ever to breathing life into the inanimate and engaging in equal dialogue with humans.
As 2024 drew to a close, Volcano Engine unveiled its latest advancements in merging AI with hardware at the Force Dynamics conference in Shanghai. The future of trendy toys and figurines may now come with an embedded “personality,” capable of engaging in natural conversations with users. Yet, the integration of AI into hardware is fraught with challenges, particularly in terms of computational resources and responsiveness.
Volcano Engine, bolstered by its long-standing investment in Real-Time Communication (RTC) technology, has positioned itself as a supplier of conversational AI solutions. Collaborating with Espressif Systems, a domestic leader in the IoT sector, they are assisting hardware manufacturers in embracing the AI era. Espressif’s ESP32-S3 chip, equipped with Volcano Engine’s RTC capabilities, promises swift responses and lifelike dialogues.
Consider ToyCity’s plans to revolutionize its original IP, “Paya Teacher,” into an AI-powered collectible. ToyCity is not solely relying on its design acumen but also the sophisticated technology behind the chips, models, and dialogue systems. Others like FoloToy, Luobo Smart, and Hunban Technology are also aligning with this trend, anticipating a heightened societal value for toy companionship.
Volcano Engine’s custom-made plush toy, “Xianyan Bao,” for the Mid-Autumn Festival, demonstrated the potential of AI combined with hardware. Despite not being mass-produced, “Xianyan Bao” was in high demand due to its conversational quality, suggesting that once technical hurdles are surmounted, creativity and emotional connection will be the decisive factors in the consumer market.
Within the vast AIoT landscape, the sensing capabilities of all objects are strengthening. Volcano Engine’s mission is to shift the paradigm from the ITization to the AIization of everything. As the relics of Elektro remind us, each day carries the possibility of overlooked inventions with the power to rewrite history. Today, all those building within the AI space have the chance to actualize futures that once only existed in the realm of science fiction.
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