Watch: Google AI teaches robot to tie shoelaces
What's the story
Google's DeepMind has successfully trained a robot to tie shoelaces, hang a shirt, and even fix fellow robots, marking a significant milestone in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The company shared this achievement via a tweet on X. However, it was noted that the robot's shoelace-tying skills are still in their early stages and need improvement. Despite this, the development represents an important step toward enabling robots to perform complex tasks independently.
Technique
Robot uses bi-arm manipulation
The robot developed by DeepMind uses a technique known as "bi-arm manipulation" to tie shoelaces. This method involves the use of both arms, a feature that sets it apart from other robots. The robot is powered by two new AI systems: ALOHA Unleashed and DemoStart. ALOHA Unleashed assists the robot in performing complex tasks involving both arms, while DemoStart employs simulations to help the machine learn from its experiences.
Twitter Post
Take a look at the robot performing various tasks
Manipulating objects using just one robot arm is challenging.
— Google DeepMind (@GoogleDeepMind) September 12, 2024
Enter ALOHA Unleashed, which builds upon our ALOHA 2 system. With two arms, it can be teleoperated to collect highquality training data. robots can perform new tasks with fewer demonstrations. pic.twitter.com/D6J0P3eqxJ
With this system,
Future prospects
DeepMind's vision for AI robots
DeepMind envisions a future where AI robots will assist people with various tasks at home and in the workplace. The company believes that research into robot dexterity, including efficient and general learning approaches, is crucial to realizing this vision. This development underscores the ongoing efforts by tech companies to create robots capable of performing human-like activities, often seen as a critical measure of a robot's capabilities.