image credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun

Dating can be hard at any age. You meet a new person and just don’t know how to break the ice. If you’re a bit shy, you may need a little help. One event in Japan recently put an interesting twist on speed dating.

Robots Help in Quest For Spouse

At a hotel in Kanto’s Minato Ward, 28 men and women from ages 25-39 attempted to find love by way of artificial intelligence. Small robots helped take the pressure off by giving introductions and doing most of the talking.

Before the “robot speed dating” started, participants answered questions about 45 different subjects including interests, jobs, relationships and goals. The responses were inputted into the mini-robots who then created and spoke a three-minute introduction for the person.

The foundation behind the event is Tokyo based Contents Innovation Program (CiP) Association. Their goal is to help develop artificial intelligence and robotics. Along with showcasing the power of AI, they put on the event to help people who lack confidence in their conversation skills.

“Robots can create opportunities even for people who aren’t good at speaking, and are proven to be an efficient method for marriage hunting,” said CiP executive director Ryunosuke Takahashi.

Four New Couples Formed at Robot Speed Dating Event

According to the CiP, the robot speed dating event was a success as a good time was had and four new couples were formed. Participants said the robots helped calm their nerves.

One participant said, “It was easy because the robot explained everything about me, and I didn’t have to say anything during multiple interactions.”

Could something like this catch on? It was a fun little event but the couples formed are eventually going to have to communicate without outside help. That being said, little robots like these could help break the ice and make people more comfortable in social interactions.

Tell us what you think in the comments.

Check out our articles on robots making deliveries for Amazon and ones that scan shelves at Walmart.