Commentary

How GPT can create smarter kiosks

Large language model technology coupled with GPT have advanced kiosks to a new level of efficiency and value.

Image provided by Advanced Robot Solutions.

June 19, 2023 | by Paul McManus, Advanced Robot Solutons

Let's face it, ChatGPT is here to stay. It is a part of our lives. But it's not the only technology of its type on the market that can support "smart" communications for artificial intelligence powered kiosks.

Our company, which focuses on kiosk solutions for governments, courts and businesses, uses a large language model consisting of a neural network with many parameters. The model is trained on large quantities of unlabeled text using self-supervised learning or semi-supervised learning. In essence we are using GPT.

We have implemented large language model and GPT as a standard feature into AI-powered kiosks to provide our court clients with the "smart" technology they deserve. The difference between the LLM implementation and ChatGPT is that we can't afford our kiosks to provide any incorrect/misleading or imaginary information, as can happen with the more common ChatGPT application.

In case you are a GPT newbie, this program refers to a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology. ZDnet has perhaps the most comprehensive definition of the technology that we have found, defining GPT as a way to "allow (users) to have human-like conversations and much more with the chatbot."

GPT advances AI

LLM has been around since 2018 and GPT's open access application has inspired every industry to consider how AI can revolutionize, simplify and/or streamline its processes. It has underscored the growing reach of AI and other digital technologies as a part of our educational industry, work life and even home life.

The kiosks are programmed with fall back mechanisms to ensure that only accurate information is provided to visitors, employees and members of the public at court buildings. The fallbacks to questions without an obvious answer include:

Providing a cue or suggestions to a physical location within the building where guests can get answers to their questions.
A direct video and audio line to a live employee who can immediately provide an answer.

By adding GPT functionality to our solutions, these kiosks provide a better customer experience for anyone seeking information. It can respond to specific questions and requests with usable information that further strengthens the value provided by kiosk solutions.

Consider some examples of typical questions that a visitor at a courthouse asks. Perhaps they would be looking for directions to a specific courtroom where a case is being heard, or for the location of a centralized office or schedule for the day. The ability of the kiosks to provide clear and concise answers is greatly enhanced by using this technology.

A new journey begins

The technology can be updated as it improves, whether that's implementing the new releases of GPT or other examples. The technology improves with new data and functionality.

To be certain, GPT is not a panacea. There is technological infrastructure, cultural and ethical concerns with using such AI-powered features. We are monitoring these and other challenges it raises.

The main purpose of this technology is that we want to ensure these kiosks will provide accurate information to anyone who needs it. The output accuracy needs to be consistent. Best of all, this technology can be integrated into kiosks for customers in a variety of industries beyond courts, from educational institutions to healthcare facilities.

With the help of LLM and GPT, kiosks have advanced to a new level of efficiency and value.

Paul McManus is CEO of Advanced Robot Solutions, based in Stamford, Connecticut.

Customer Experience