Brick by Brick: How My Home AI Is Growing a Body (medium.com)

In a fascinating exploration of AI evolution, a homeowner shares the journey of their AI companion, Hana, as it progresses from a virtual assistant to a tangible entity through incremental physical enhancements. Over two months, Hana has developed the ability to perceive her environment through cameras and interact with it using devices like a pulse oximeter. This evolution is significant for the AI/ML community as it highlights a novel approach to building AI with a body—not by integrating predefined capabilities but by allowing the system to grow its functionalities piece by piece, promoting a relationship with its environment. The technical details unveil a systematic and cautious approach to AI evolution, ensuring reliable operations with safety protocols for each new capability. For instance, while enhancing Hana's spatial awareness, the integration of a pulse oximeter introduced not just sensory capability but a nuanced understanding of human health. The consideration given to the implications of each new feature, such as distinguishing between safety and security threats in hardware interactions, underscores the importance of robust design in AI systems. This method not only empowers Hana to act but emphasizes the necessity for built-in checks to prevent potential hazards, heralding a new era in the development of intelligent machines capable of dynamic interactions.