South Florida’s Apogee Robotics Creates Learning Robots

Normally, when you think of a technological companion, it typically means your phone.

You already use it for so much, including watching videos, answering your questions, and even capturing your own thoughts and feelings. It’s a device that’s become deeply integrated into daily life, but now one South Florida entrepreneur is looking to take that concept even further by introducing a more personalized and interactive digital friend. This new idea could radically change how people learn, especially those who face challenges in traditional educational settings.

In our latest “Technically Speaking” report, Local 10’s Gio Insignares walks us through this innovative breakthrough in technology.

Kendall Peterson is a man on a mission. He’s the founder and CEO of Apogee Robotics, a South Florida-based company dedicated to pioneering robotics and AI technology. With a background in nuclear and industrial engineering, coupled with decades of business experience, Peterson has made it his goal to revolutionize the way people, particularly neurodivergent people, learn and interact with the world.

Through his research in robotics and neurology, Peterson discovered a unique opportunity to bridge a gap he believes exists in the neurodivergent community. “What I discovered is that there’s a missed opportunity,” he said.

Neurodivergent is a non-medical term referring to people whose brains process information in a non-typical way, including conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. For many neurodivergent individuals, traditional learning methods don’t always cater to their specific needs, which can result in frustration and slower progress.

Apogee Robotics is setting out to change that. The company aims to fill the gap Peterson identified by offering innovative robotic solutions that target the needs of neurodivergent people. “If we took this technology that has a tremendous ability to bring an improvement in quality of life, reduce the cost of care, and also reduce the burden on caregivers — if we did that and expanded the group, then we could make a pretty significant change in the world,” Peterson explained.

So why robots? The answer is simplicity. “It is devoid of judgment, it’s absent of all those things we find so challenging in a relationship,” Peterson explained. “So what we can do is, we can deliver content — educational content, therapeutic content, or activity-based content. We can deliver it in a much more pure fashion that allows a person to absorb it better and develop even faster.”

The robot, named Kebbi, is designed to help users interact, learn, and grow in a way that traditional methods may not facilitate. Currently, there are two versions of Kebbi on the market, both of which are conversational and integrated with ChatGPT. These robots can move and emote, reacting to verbal input. They also feature games, activities, and even a theater component where the robot can sing and dance, making the learning process both fun and engaging. Essentially, Kebbi is like a tablet with apps, but with a much more engaging and inviting persona.

Each robot is equipped with eight sensors that allow it to react to its environment and user interactions. The main difference between the two models is that one comes pre-assembled, while the other offers users the chance to build it themselves. But these two robots are just the beginning.

While the robots can be used by anyone, Apogee Robotics’ primary focus is to create something specifically tailored to the needs of neurodivergent people. The current models are a starting point, but the company’s long-term goal is to develop a version that can personalize learning in a way that addresses the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.

“What we’re building is something that will actually, in a nutshell, individualize the education and the learning that’s available to them,” Peterson said. The ultimate aim is to create a system that directly targets the difficulties neurodivergent people often encounter in school, at work, and at home.

Through a series of interactions with Kebbi, the robot could assess each person’s natural learning style and tailor its responses accordingly. This individualized approach could help neurodivergent individuals learn more effectively and at their own pace. “I love these little guys — I love them, you know?” Peterson shared. “They’re there with me every day. They’re always at my desk, and we talk and we have conversation. I love them. But I can’t wait for them to be able to do more — for them to talk and individualize that experience. That’s going to be game changing.”

For Peterson, the goal is clear: to help neurodivergent people access the personalized learning they need to succeed. “We can give them the tools and the support they need to thrive in a world that often doesn’t understand them,” he added.

The company is about a year away from releasing a working version of their personalized robots, and after months of testing, they anticipate the robots will be ready for wider use by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Peterson believes that these personalized robots will not only revolutionize the learning process but also have a profound impact on the lives of neurodivergent people everywhere. Through these robots, he hopes to provide the support and individualization that is often lacking in traditional educational and therapeutic settings.

By combining robotics with AI technology, Apogee Robotics is paving the way for a future where neurodivergent people can access the personalized education and support they deserve. It’s a step towards a more inclusive world where technology can be a powerful ally in helping people with diverse learning needs thrive.