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The Elusive Dream of Humanoid Robots
Pepper the humanoid robot was born in 2014, but its popularity was short-lived. Despite being a robot that "behaves autonomously, powered by love," as Masayoshi Son, the head of its main backer, SoftBank, declared, production halted in 2021, and only 27,000 units were ever made.
The Resurgence of Robotics
The recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked a new wave of enthusiasm for robotics. Jensen Huang, chief executive of chip designer Nvidia, believes that "the next wave of AI is physical AI. AI that understands the laws of physics, AI that can work among us." Nvidia has ridden the boom in training AI models to become the world’s second-largest company by market capitalization.
The Challenges of Robotics
However, the obstacles to making an economically viable robot that can perform tasks like cooking dinner and cleaning toilets are numerous and difficult. For example, a robotic limb must be actuated by motors, which require high-performance motors, gears, and transmissions, creating bulk, cost, power requirements, and multiple components that can and will break down. Additionally, sensing and feedback are crucial, but providing these senses is a significant challenge, especially in a robot.
The Power of AI in Robotics
AI does not solve these physical challenges, but it can make existing machines more efficient. For example, AI-powered machine vision will increase the range of tasks a robotic arm can perform and make it safer for them to work alongside humans. Lightweight, single-purpose devices like robot vacuum cleaners will gradually become more useful.
Conclusion
The future of robotics is not about creating humanoid robots that can perform all tasks, but rather about applying AI to existing machines to make them more efficient and effective. Self-driving vehicles are a prime example, as AI can tackle the real-world challenge of driving a car. Existing robots, like industrial arms and robot vacuum cleaners, will evolve with AI, making them more useful and safer.
FAQs
Q: What is the future of robotics?
A: The future of robotics is about applying AI to existing machines to make them more efficient and effective.
Q: Can AI solve the challenges of robotics?
A: AI does not solve the physical challenges of robotics, but it can make existing machines more efficient.
Q: What is the example of AI in robotics?
A: Self-driving vehicles are a prime example, as AI can tackle the real-world challenge of driving a car.
