Researchers at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory are striving to create a future where robots take on tasks like brewing coffee and arranging dining tables. The scientists at MIT are using simulations to teach robots how to handle household chores. This training is crucial to ensure that robots can assist us at home effectively without causing any problems.
What may seem effortless to us involves a highly intricate series of instructions for an imaginary robot. To tackle this challenge, the scientists developed digital representations of humanoid robots within a simulation. These virtual robots can dissect each task into tiny, manageable steps known as "atomic actions."
What are atomic actions in robotics?
Atomic actions in robotics are the basic building blocks for teaching robots how to do things. They are small, fundamental steps that can't be broken down any further and are crucial for making robots perform tasks accurately and efficiently. Think of them as the simple, essential actions robots need to learn before doing more complex stuff.
Here are some everyday examples:
- Grasping: Robots need to learn how to grab things, like picking up a cup without dropping it. Lifting: They must know how to lift objects safely and precisely.
- Walking: For humanoid robots, it's about taking balanced steps without falling. Pouring: When pouring a drink, robots need to tilt the container just right to avoid spills.
- Button Pressing: Pressing a button involves a sequence of actions, like moving an arm to the button and pressing it.
- Screw Tightening: Robots must learn to turn screws accurately, not too loose and not too tight.
- Measuring: If they're helping in the kitchen, they need to pour ingredients accurately.
- Typing: When using a keyboard, each keypress is like a tiny step.
Imagine these atomic actions as the basic skills a robot needs, and you can combine them to teach the robot more complicated tasks.
Geordie Rose, who leads Sanctuary Al and has a background in theoretical physics and previously founded a quantum computing company believes that there's a huge opportunity in the future. They are creating a special humanoid robot called Phoenix. This robot will be really smart. It will understand what we want, how things work, and be able to do tasks we ask it to do.
"The long-term total addressable market is the biggest one that's ever existed in the history of business and technology - which is the labor market. It's all of the things we want done," he added.
But before we get too excited, Geordie Rose adds that we still have a lot of work to do to make this a reality. He does not want to predict when a robot will be in your home doing chores like laundry or cleaning the bathroom. However, some experts in the field believe it could happen within the next ten years.
There are many other companies worldwide also working on this technology. For example, in the UK, Dyson is investing in artificial intelligence and robots that can help with household tasks.
One of the most well-known companies in this field is Tesla, the company known for making electric cars and led by Elon Musk. They are developing a humanoid robot called Optimus, and Musk suggests that it might be available for regular people to buy in just a few years.
Furthermore, Mr. Rose added that,"Ten years at the pace the technology is moving now is an eternity. You know, every month, there are new developments in the AI world that are like fundamental change."