Beyond the Screen: How Embodied Manifestations of AI can Amplify People in the Physical World

Description

Talk

The next revolution in AI won't unfold behind screens—it will happen in the physical world. As we merge advanced AI with intelligent hardware, entirely new paradigms of interaction between people and machines are emerging. This talk explores how embodied AI—AI with a physical presence—can become a powerful force in amplifying human capabilities and enriching quality of life. Grounded in Toyota’s core philosophy of human-centered innovation, we examine how intelligent vehicles can evolve beyond passive safety systems into true driving companions. These vehicles won’t just assist; they’ll build relationships with drivers, helping them learn, gain confidence and have fun while driving. We'll extend these insights beyond mobility, revealing how the fusion of AI and embodiment opens up novel ways for people to partner with machines—not just to automate tasks, but to grow, learn, and thrive together.

Instructors Bio

Avinash Balachandran

VP at Toyota Research Institute

Dr. Avinash Balachandran is Vice President of the Human Interactive Driving (HID) division at Toyota Research Institute (TRI). The goal of the HID division is to create AI-driven capabilities and tools that enable the design, engineering, and manufacturing of intelligent vehicles where AI acts as a partner with the driver to increase safety, confidence, and enjoyment. The department blends competencies in machine learning, human-machine interaction, and robotics to create novel and innovative technologies for the intelligent vehicles of the future.