At the intersection of robotics and social science, researchers explore how heterogeneity, influence, and uncertainty drive smarter collective decisions—whether in human groups, robot swarms, or biological collectives. Credit: SCIoIWhen groups make decisions—whether humans, robots, or animals—not all members contribute equally. Some have more reliable information, while others hold greater social influence. A new study...
Snapshots of realized sleepy mood expression on a child android robot. Credit: Hisashi IshiharaOsaka University researchers have developed a technology that enables androids to express moods like excitement or drowsiness through dynamic facial movements modeled as overlapping, decaying waves.While androids can mimic human expressions, their movements often feel artificial, creating discomfort. Traditional approaches rely...
The soft-bodied RoBoa can snake its way through collapsed buildings in search of survivorsRoBoa/ETH ZurichWhen disaster strikes, drones and robots can search for survivors in dangerous zones. The student team at ETH Zurich designed the RoBoa to slither through debris that would stop other robots.Developed at the Autonomous Systems Lab, RoBoa aids rescue teams...
MIT's Clio runs in real-time to map task-relevant objects in a robot's surroundings, allowing the bot (Boston Dynamic's quadruped robot Spot, pictured) carry out a natural language task ("pick up orange backpack"). Credit: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyPicture tidying up a cluttered kitchen, beginning with a counter scattered with sauce packets. If your aim is...
Robots could be surgically swapping heads within the decadeBrainBridgeIn what seems straight out of a B-grade sci-fi/horror film, head transplant operations entirely performed by robotic surgeons could be a reality within a decade, according to startup BrainBridge.This idea comes from Hashem Al-Ghaili, the Berlin-based molecular biologist turned filmmaker, producer, author, and science communicator, known...
Credit: PixabayIn recent years, advancements in robotics and AI have been substantial, yet we have not succeeded in creating robots that surpass the capabilities of nature's finest. New research delves into the fundamental reasons behind this phenomenon.Exploring Over a Hundred Studies Reveals a Crucial Integration Barrier in Advancing RoboticsAfter examining over a hundred prior...
Digit is currently being trialed as a way to relieve workers of difficult repetitive tasks, not relieve them of their jobs, says AmazonAgility RoboticsTall, proficient, and resembling insects to some extent, a fleet of Digit robots is currently navigating vacant bins within an Amazon research and development facility. This trial marks the initial phase...
Within a year of development, Figure's 01 achieved the remarkable feat of walking—an accomplishment that Adcock considers to be a record-breaking milestone.Brett Adcock, from Figure, asserted a significant breakthrough in humanoid robotics over the weekend, which he referred to as a "ChatGPT moment." This revelation becomes clearer as we now understand that the robot...
The Creator’s AI robots at Chargers game (Image credit)AI robots stole the show during a Chargers game at SoFi Stadium, delighting and astonishing fans while advertising the upcoming film "The Creator." This showcased a preview of the future of entertainment and technology.Explore the future of entertainment with AI robots during a Chargers game –...
Credit: PixaobayResearch conducted by the University of Cambridge reveals that the impact of robots on company profits follows a 'U-shaped' pattern. Initially, as companies adopt robots at low levels, their profit margins tend to decline. However, as robot adoption increases, profit margins start to rise again, eventually leading to higher profits.An Analysis of Industry...
