In Orem, brothers Ben and Will Wright have taken their academic interest in artificial intelligence and applied it to a personal challenge they've faced. They've experienced dental issues that set them apart from their peers, frequently undergoing treatments like fillings and root canals despite coming from a health-conscious family.
As members of Utah Valley University's inaugural applied AI master's program, the Wright brothers have leveraged AI technology to assist in their research and idea generation, ultimately leading to the creation of their first product.
Ben Wright, the CEO and cofounder of Klyyr, explained how AI facilitated their development process, stating, "Using AI, we were able to refine our toothpaste formula. We're collaborating with food scientists and chemists to ensure it meets rigorous standards and delivers the best results. AI helped us establish a preliminary version of our formula."
This initial toothpaste product has evolved into a business venture for the brothers, although they believe this is merely the beginning of their journey. "We're incredibly excited about the future. Toothpaste seems like the perfect starting point because it's a staple in everyone's daily routine," Ben added. "Our goal was to create a product that resonates with our needs, and we anticipate that many others will feel the same way."
Despite their enthusiasm for AI, the Wright brothers emphasize a crucial limitation: the importance of human expertise in the process. "We can’t rely on AI completely. It's essential to have knowledgeable professionals, like food scientists or chemists, involved to make the final decisions. However, AI certainly accelerates the research phase," Will clarified.
For the Wright brothers, the key takeaway is clear: while AI can enhance efficiency, human judgment remains indispensable. As they conclude their master's program, they are eager to explore new avenues for integrating AI into their future projects.
