From watching sci-fi movies over the years, we've all got an idea of what service robots will one day be able to do for us. From Robbie the Robot in 1956's Forbidden Planet to C-3PO in the Star Wars saga, we imagine intelligent droids, able to talk to us, anticipate our needs and do things to make our lives easier.

Reality Versus Hype

But so far, reality hasn't been able to match up to our imaginations. The types of robot we have developed so far rely on rule-based algorithms to perform very straightforward tasks, such as cleaning floors or delivering meals. And even those simple tasks depend on humans to actually give them the tasks to do; they lack the flexibility to adapt to complex or changing scenarios. As societies around the world face up to challenges like declining workforces and increasing demands for elder care, we need smarter, autonomous robots.

NTT's Approach

As demonstrated at the NTT R&D Forum event recently held in Tokyo, generative AI has the potential to completely change how service robots function and make them more like the helpful artificial friends of our imagination. That's why NTT is currently using Large Language Models to enable robots to work out high-level conceptual instructions for themselves. Understanding abstract ideas, such as roles and goals, and independently generating their own action plans. That means a device could process instructions such as "monitor safety and assist as needed," then work out the best, most appropriate ways of responding, based on the real-life, real-time situation, without requiring explicit, step-by-step directions.

Robots Thinking for Themselves

It's a huge leap forward. Rather than simply executing commands, NTT is working on making devices that can interpret, adapt, and act based on overarching guidelines. For example, in a busy care home, an LLM-enabled robot could potentially not only serve drinks or remind residents to take medications, but also proactively assess individual needs and adjust its behavior accordingly. They could be designed to handle personalized, small-scale requests that might otherwise go unnoticed, guaranteeing a higher standard of care for residents. In shared public spaces, such as offices or hospitality settings, the same principles could apply, with robots optimizing workflows, assisting clients, or improving the overall experience through seamless, autonomous operations.

Innovation for the Sake of Humans

Clever robots are not just good to have because they are technologically advanced—it's not innovation for innovation's sake. NTT's work goes to the heart of addressing societal challenges. For countries with aging populations and shrinking workforces, service robots equipped with generative AI offer a practical solution. By acting independently and learning from their environments, such robots could potentially reduce reliance on human intervention and extend the capabilities of existing care systems.

The Soul of the Technology: Omotenashi

The Japanese word "omotenashi," or hospitality, symbolizes this approach. It suggests a technology that aligns with cultural values, with a personalized and respectful approach to service. NTT is combining its technology with the omotenashi concept to integrate AI into everyday life to meet human needs more effectively.

Future clever robot applications could include advanced health monitoring, more nuanced interactions with users, and integration into other smart systems to create even more adaptive and responsive environments. With the establishment of the technology set for the fourth quarter of financial year 2024, its potential already suggests a transformation in how we view and use robotics.

A new era of flexibility and intelligence, closer to the vision of robots that are not just tools but partners, able to improve care, service, and productivity in ways that were previously impossible. Perhaps the droids we've seen in movies—the nice ones, not the ones that exterminate humankind—are not that far away, after all.

NTT—Innovating the Future

For more details of the NTT R&D Forum event, please see this website:
https://www.rd.ntt/e/forum/2024/

For further information on NTT's AI-enabled robot technology, please see:
https://www.rd.ntt/forum/2024/doc/D01-13-e.pdf

If you would like to contact a member of NTT's R&D team, please see:
https://tools.group.ntt/en/rd/contact/index.php

Daniel O'Connor

Daniel O'Connor joined the NTT Group in 1999 when he began work as the Public Relations Manager of NTT Europe. While in London, he liaised with the local press, created the company's intranet site, wrote technical copy for industry magazines and managed exhibition stands from initial design to finished displays.

Later seconded to the headquarters of NTT Communications in Tokyo, he contributed to the company's first-ever winning of global telecoms awards and the digitalisation of internal company information exchange.

Since 2015 Daniel has created content for the Group's Global Leadership Institute, the One NTT Network and is currently working with NTT R&D teams to grow public understanding of the cutting-edge research undertaken by the NTT Group.