The Rapid Evolution Of Humanoid Robots
The rapid advancement of humanoid robots is revolutionizing technology at an unprecedented pace. In just a few years, we’ve seen leaps in capabilities, from performing complex tasks with human-like intelligence to drastically reducing the time needed to learn new functions. This progress not only highlights the incredible innovation in robotics but also points towards a future where these machines can seamlessly integrate into various aspects of our lives.
Examples are all around us, and this article describes one such example. In less than a year since debuting its 6th-generation general-purpose humanoid robot, Canada’s Sanctuary AI has now introduced the next iteration of Phoenix. Sanctuary AI has been dedicated to developing a versatile humanoid robot capable of performing various tasks, such as labeling boxes, bagging groceries, moving packages, scanning products, and soldering. Initially, these robots are teleoperated to teach them how to execute these tasks effectively.
A few months ago, Sanctuary unveiled a bipedal version named Phoenix, alongside an AI control system called Carbon, designed to impart human-like intelligence and enable the robot to handle a wide range of work tasks. Now, just 11 months later, the seventh generation of Phoenix is ready to make its debut. Although specific details are currently sparse, the article highlights numerous improvements over the previous generation. These enhancements include increased uptime for more training and data collection, improved visual perception and tactile sensing for more complex task execution, and greater flexibility in the wrists, hands, and elbows.
One of the most significant advancements broadly applies across the AI spectrum: the reduction in time required for Phoenix to learn and autonomously perform new tasks, which has been cut from several weeks to under 24 hours. This marks a pivotal moment in the speed of task automation and the capability of autonomous systems. Additionally, the cost of build materials has been reduced, and the smaller hydraulic systems result in lower weight and power consumption. Improvements in the manufacturing process are expected to accelerate the production of new units.
Geordie Rose, co-founder and CEO of Sanctuary AI, expressed confidence in the Generation 7 robot, stating that it represents the most human-like system available and is a critical milestone towards achieving artificial general intelligence. This focus on a specific example sheds light on a phenomenon that is currently overshadowed by the intense focus on generative AI.
Originally published at http://frankdiana.net on July 9, 2024.
