AI robot prepares coffee and adapts to real-world challenges
An AI-powered that robot makes coffee and adapts to real-world obstacles could usher in the next generation of intelligent machines.
Using a combination of AI, sensors and fine-tuned motor skills, the robot can interact with its surroundings in more human-like ways than ever before, researchers at Edinburgh University said, adding that the breakthrough could transform robots’ ability to carry out tasks that previously could only be done by people. Their findings are detailed in Nature Machine Intelligence.
Robots in factories and on production lines perform pre-programmed actions and responses but lack the ability to adapt to unforeseen obstacles in real-time, the researchers said.
To counter these limitations, the Edinburgh team combined advances in sensitive motor skills and AI to create a robot that can interact capably with objects and people in challenging settings. Previous developments in these areas had taken place largely independent of each other, the team said.
The new device is a Kinova robotic arm with seven movable joints that interprets verbal instructions and then analyses its surroundings.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Experts speculate over cause of Iberian power outages
The EU and UK will be moving towards using Grid Forming inverters with Energy Storage that has an inherent ability to act as a source of Infinite...