Scientists build AI robot that acts like an angry parent to train teachers

Teachers can face difficult conversations with parents. Researchers at La Trobe University in Australia are trying to change that with an AI-powered talking robot called Fletch. The robot can take on the role of a disgruntled parent, allowing trainee teachers to practise responding to complaints, arguments and other difficult conversations in a controlled setting. According to an online report, Fletch can also change its responses based on what the teacher says, making each conversation feel less like a fixed script and more like a real interaction.The AI robot acts like a concerned or angry parentAs stated in the Phys.org report, Fletch has been programmed using insights from experienced teachers and their real-life interactions with challenging people in schools. Researchers interviewed teachers to understand the kinds of conversations they face with parents.