News/Robotics
Could humanoid robots save an ailing education system?
The future of education: AI robots on the horizon: Elon Musk's unveiling of the advanced AI-powered humanoid robot Optimus at Tesla's recent "We, Robot" event has sparked discussions about the potential integration of such technology in educational settings. Musk projected that Optimus, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 125 pounds, could be priced between $20,000 and $30,000, making it potentially affordable for organizations and households. The robot is equipped with advanced AI, machine learning, and sensors like LIDAR and computer vision, allowing it to interact smoothly in dynamic environments. Musk claimed that Optimus could perform various tasks,...
read Oct 15, 2024Tesla’s Optimus robots allegedly operated by humans, reports say
Tesla's Optimus Robots: Autonomous Walking, Human-Assisted Interactions: Recent reports have revealed that Tesla's Optimus robot prototypes, showcased at the "We, Robot" event, relied on human teleoperators for many of their demonstrated capabilities, while utilizing artificial intelligence for walking. Walking autonomously, but with limitations: The Optimus robots demonstrated the ability to walk without external control, using artificial intelligence. Bloomberg reported that the robots "were able to walk without external control using artificial intelligence," citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. Social media footage showed lines of Optimus robots slowly walking into the party venue without apparent assistance. However, the robots only...
read Oct 15, 2024Casio just launched a furry AI-powered robot pet
AI-powered robot pets enter the market: Casio has launched Moflin, an AI-powered furry robot pet designed to provide emotional companionship without the responsibilities of caring for a living animal. Moflin, resembling a large Guinea pig or a horizontal Porg from Star Wars, is now available for preorder in Japan at 59,400 yen (approximately $400 / £305 / 600AU$). The robot pet was initially developed by Vanguard Industries and first showcased at CES 2021. Casio is manufacturing and distributing Moflin across Japan, with shipping set to begin on November 7th. Features and functionality: Moflin is designed to simulate the emotional connection...
read Oct 12, 2024Tesla’s ‘We Robot’ event draws criticism for parlor tricks and vague timelines
Tesla's ambitious autonomous future unveiled: Tesla's recent "We Robot" event showcased the company's vision for autonomous vehicles and robotics, presenting prototypes and plans that aim to reshape transportation and everyday tasks. The event, held on October 10, 2024, featured demonstrations of new products and technologies, including autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots. While the presentations generated excitement among Tesla enthusiasts, they also faced criticism for lack of specific details and potentially misleading demonstrations. Cybercab: A glimpse into affordable autonomous transport: Tesla introduced the Cybercab, a compact two-seater autonomous electric vehicle designed to revolutionize personal transportation with its accessibility and cost-effectiveness. The...
read Oct 11, 2024Tesla aims for ‘unsupervised’ self-driving AI by 2027 amid skepticism
Tesla's bold vision for autonomous driving: Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has unveiled plans for a fully autonomous "robotaxi" and announced an upcoming "unsupervised" version of the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, setting ambitious targets for the future of self-driving technology. During a demonstration at Warner Bros. Studio in Hollywood, Musk showcased a prototype "Cybercab" robotaxi, a vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, designed for complete autonomous operation. The robotaxi is expected to be available "before 2027" and could be priced under $30,000 for individual ownership. Musk also announced plans to introduce "unsupervised" FSD next year, initially in California...
read Oct 11, 2024Pittsburgh forges AI future with NVIDIA tech community launch
Pittsburgh's AI revolution: NVIDIA launches its inaugural AI Tech Community in Pittsburgh, partnering with Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh to accelerate innovation and public-private collaboration in artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to supercharge partnerships across communities with high potential for enabling technological transformation using AI. Two joint technology centers will be established in Pittsburgh to tap into the region's expertise: one with Carnegie Mellon University focusing on robotics, autonomy, and AI, and another with the University of Pittsburgh concentrating on AI applications in health sciences. Academic powerhouses at the forefront: Carnegie Mellon University and the University of...
read Oct 11, 2024Tesla launches self-driving Cybercab and Robovan
Tesla's autonomous vehicle revolution: Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has unveiled two groundbreaking autonomous electric vehicles that could reshape the future of transportation. The Cybercab and Robovan represent Tesla's vision for a fully autonomous future, featuring AI-driven technology and unique designs. Both vehicles lack traditional manual controls like steering wheels and pedals, signaling a dramatic shift in vehicle operation and design. Tesla's ambitious plans include launching fully autonomous, unsupervised Full Self-Driving for existing models in Texas and California as early as next year. Cybercab: Compact and futuristic: The Cybercab is Tesla's answer to affordable, autonomous personal transportation, blending sleek design...
read Oct 10, 2024Tesla’s long-awaited robotaxi unveiling set to shake up ride-hailing
Tesla's Robotaxi Unveiling: A Pivotal Moment: Tesla is set to introduce its long-anticipated robotaxi, dubbed "Cybercab," at a Hollywood studio event titled "We, Robot," marking a potential shift in the company's focus and urban transportation landscape. The unveiling comes at a critical time for Tesla, as the company faces challenges in selling its existing electric vehicle lineup and seeks to reposition itself as a leader in artificial intelligence and robotics. The Cybercab is expected to potentially lack traditional controls like a steering wheel and pedals, emphasizing the central role of artificial intelligence in its operation. Tesla envisions the Cybercab as...
read Sep 28, 2024Skydio unveils new docking station for its X10 AI drone
Skydio's game-changing drone technology: Skydio, a leading drone manufacturer, has unveiled its latest innovation, the Dock for X10, a groundbreaking docking station designed to revolutionize autonomous drone operations. The Dock for X10 is specifically engineered to work seamlessly with Skydio's X10 drones, enabling them to be stationed virtually anywhere and enhancing their autonomy and scalability. This new docking station represents a significant leap forward in drone technology, potentially transforming various industries that rely on aerial data collection and surveillance. Robust design for extreme conditions: The Dock for X10 is built to withstand harsh environments, making it suitable for a wide...
read Sep 26, 2024Nvidia-backed robotics startup hires AI-focused CEO to drive growth
AI-driven manufacturing gets a boost: Bright Machines, a robotic manufacturing startup backed by tech giants Nvidia and Microsoft, has appointed Chris Stori as its new CEO, signaling a strategic shift towards AI-powered production. The company, founded in 2018, aims to revolutionize manufacturing by combining AI and robotics to create flexible, multi-purpose "micro-factories" Bright Machines' technology has found success in producing data center equipment for the rapidly expanding AI market The appointment of Stori, a former Cisco executive and McKinsey veteran, comes as the company seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for AI infrastructure Industry support and funding: Bright Machines'...
read Sep 23, 2024Beam Is The World’s First AI-Powered Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Groundbreaking AI-driven underwater vehicle revolutionizes offshore wind inspections: Beam, an offshore wind technology company, has successfully deployed the world's first AI-driven autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) at Scotland's Seagreen offshore wind farm, marking a significant advancement in the field of offshore wind inspections. Key features and capabilities: The AI-driven AUV represents a major leap forward in underwater inspection technology, offering unprecedented efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The system operates fully autonomously, eliminating the need for human involvement during detailed inspections. It can transmit data directly back to shore, streamlining the inspection process. The advanced technology employed by the AUV enables it to gather...
read Sep 22, 2024How Amazon is Using AI and Robots to Transform Operations and Create Jobs
Revolutionizing e-commerce with AI and robotics: Amazon is leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics to transform its operations, creating a more efficient and collaborative work environment. Amazon's robotics fleet, numbering over 750,000 drive units, is the largest industrial mobile robot fleet in the world. These AI-powered robots work alongside human employees, improving efficiency and safety in Amazon's warehouses and distribution centers. Innovative warehouse solutions: The Hercules drive unit has transformed traditional warehouse operations by bringing inventory directly to workers, significantly improving storage density and efficiency. This system has led to a 40% improvement in storage density compared to traditional warehouse setups....
read Sep 21, 2024Researchers Develop AI Models Enabling Robots to Adapt to New Environments
Robotic adaptability breakthrough: Researchers have developed AI models that enable robots to perform tasks in new environments without additional training, potentially revolutionizing the field of robotics and home automation. A team from New York University, Meta, and Hello Robot created five "robot utility models" (RUMs) that allow machines to complete basic tasks in unfamiliar settings with a 90% success rate. The tasks include opening doors and drawers, and picking up tissues, bags, and cylindrical objects. This approach could make it easier and more cost-effective to deploy robots in homes in the future. Data collection innovation: The researchers developed a novel...
read Sep 20, 20241X’s New AI Model Uses Generative World Data to Train Robots
Robotics breakthrough in generative world models: 1X Technologies has developed a new generative model to enhance robot training efficiency in simulated environments, addressing a key challenge in robotics. The model aims to bridge the "sim2real gap" by learning to simulate the real world using raw sensor data collected directly from robots. This approach differs from traditional methods that rely on hand-authored digital twins and rigid body simulators, which often have inaccuracies in physics and geometry. The data used to train the model comes from thousands of hours of video and actuator data collected from 1X's EVE humanoid robots performing various...
read Sep 17, 2024Vention’s New AI Platform Simplifies Robot Deployment for Manufacturing
AI-driven advancements in manufacturing automation: Vention, a Montreal-based industrial automation developer, has unveiled significant AI-powered enhancements to its Manufacturing Automation Platform (MAP) at its annual Demo Day 2024 event. The company introduced the third generation of its MachineMotion controller, called MachineMotion AI, designed for factory robotics applications. MachineMotion AI is built on the Nvidia Jetson platform for edge AI and robotics, aiming to simplify robot development and deployment for manufacturers of all sizes. The new controller bridges the gap between traditional programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and modern robot programming environments. Key features of MachineMotion AI: The new AI-powered controller offers...
read Sep 17, 2024Amazon is Using Generative AI to Make Prime Deliveries Even Faster
Amazon's AI-driven delivery revolution: Amazon is harnessing the power of generative AI to revolutionize its package delivery system, aiming to surpass its already impressive same or next-day delivery rate for Prime items. Amazon, long known for setting industry standards in fast delivery, is now leveraging generative AI to push the boundaries of efficiency and speed in package delivery. The company's goal is to increase the percentage of Prime items delivered same or next day beyond the current 60% mark achieved in March 2024. This ambitious pursuit comes despite potential concerns about increased energy consumption and associated costs. Key applications of...
read Sep 10, 2024Global AI Robotics Advancements To Showcase at ROSCon Events
Global robotics community gathers for ROSCon events: The Robot Operating System (ROS) ecosystem is set to take center stage at three upcoming ROSCon conferences, highlighting the latest advancements in AI robotics development. Event details and locations: ROS developers and enthusiasts will have multiple opportunities to engage with the community and explore cutting-edge technologies. ROSCon events are scheduled in Tokyo (September 25), Odense, Denmark (October 21-23), and China (November 2-3, location to be confirmed) These conferences aim to bring together robotics developers of all skill levels for learning, networking, and collaboration NVIDIA's role in advancing ROS ecosystem: The tech giant is...
read Sep 10, 2024Inside Google’s Now Shuttered Mission to Create an AI-Powered Robot
A decade-long quest for AI-powered robots: Google's Everyday Robots project, led by Hans Peter Brondmo from 2016 to 2023, aimed to create intelligent machines capable of working alongside humans in everyday settings. The project, part of Google X (Alphabet's moonshot division), focused on developing robots that could perform various tasks in unpredictable real-world environments. Despite making significant progress, the project was ultimately shut down in January 2023 due to cost concerns, highlighting the challenges of long-term, complex robotics initiatives. Key challenges in robotics development: The Everyday Robots team faced several obstacles in their pursuit of creating versatile, AI-powered robots for...
read Aug 27, 2024New Humanoid Robot ‘CL-1’ Is Purpose-Built for Warehouse Operations
Advancements in humanoid robotics: LimX Dynamics has unveiled significant upgrades to its CL-1 humanoid robot, showcasing its enhanced capabilities in a simulated warehouse environment. The company released a three-minute, single-take video demonstrating CL-1's improved hardware and its ability to perform complex warehouse tasks autonomously. The robot exhibited various postures and movements, including deep squats, lifting, and carrying heavy objects weighing up to 18 pounds. CL-1 demonstrated real-time perception and adaptability by replanning its actions when a human moved an object it was about to pick up. Key technological improvements: LimX Dynamics has focused on enhancing the robot's real-time perceptive abilities...
read Aug 27, 2024Hugging Face Releases New Tutorials to Build AI-Powered Robots
Hugging Face democratizes robotics development: The AI community platform has released comprehensive tutorials aimed at empowering developers to build and train AI-powered robots, marking a significant step towards making robotics more accessible. The tutorials cover a wide range of topics, from sourcing components to deploying AI models, enabling users to train neural networks for controlling low-cost robotic hardware. Developers can learn to program neural networks via laptop to control robots, teaching them tasks such as object detection, grasping, and manipulation. The guides are designed to be user-friendly, catering to individuals with varying levels of robotics experience, including information on 3D...
read Aug 26, 2024Apple Is Reportedly Working on an AI-Powered Robot Assistant for Homes
Apple's AI ambitions expand to robotics: The tech giant is reportedly developing a new AI-powered personality for potential robotic devices, aiming to surpass the capabilities of its current digital assistant, Siri. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a reliable source for Apple product rumors, the company is exploring the use of generative AI to create a more advanced digital interface for future robotic devices. This new AI personality could potentially operate similarly to Siri but with enhanced capabilities, designed specifically for upcoming robotic products. Potential home robot in development: Apple is said to be working on a tabletop robot, possibly similar...
read Aug 25, 2024Waymo Dominates Autonomous Ride-Hailing with 2M Paid Trips
The rise of autonomous ride-hailing: Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, is leading the charge in the autonomous ride-hailing industry with a recent $5 billion multi-year investment and a growing presence in several US cities. Waymo began offering fully autonomous rides in San Francisco in late 2022 and started charging for the service in August 2023. The company's fleet has expanded to approximately 700 cars across three markets: San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Waymo has provided over two million paid rides to date, with more than 100,000 weekly paid rides. Expansion and future plans: Waymo is rapidly expanding its service...
read Aug 19, 2024SK Telecom Unveils Edge AI-Powered Autonomous Robots for Indoor Use
Breakthrough in autonomous robotics: SK Telecom has successfully demonstrated advanced autonomous driving robot technology powered by its innovative Telco Edge AI infrastructure, marking a significant step forward in indoor robotics and edge computing applications. Test details and technology showcase: The two-month trial, conducted at SK Telecom's Pangyo building near Seoul, focused on indoor product transport and delivery robots that require high-precision positioning in complex environments. The autonomous robots utilized a combination of sensors, including cameras and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), to navigate the intricate interior spaces. SK Telecom's proprietary Visual Localization And Mapping (VLAM) technology, an image-based sensor fusion positioning...
read Aug 16, 2024‘Physical AI’ is Now a Category in the AI Industry
Physical AI emerges as a new frontier in artificial intelligence, combining AI with robotics and materials science to create intelligent systems capable of interacting with and manipulating the physical world. The convergence of hardware and software: Physical AI represents a significant advancement in the field of artificial intelligence, bridging the gap between digital intelligence and the physical realm. This new approach integrates AI algorithms with advanced robotics and materials science, enabling the creation of intelligent systems that can directly interact with and manipulate their environment. Physical AI complements existing AI paradigms like generative AI and applied AI, expanding the potential...
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