robotics ETH Zurich Teaches Four-Legged Robot to Climb Ladders Using AI Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully train a quadruped robot to climb standard ladders using reinforcement learning and specialized grippers. The new system achieves a 90% success rate and climbs 232 times faster than previous state-of-the-art methods.
robotics Detachable Robot Hand Crawls Across Surfaces to Grasp Objects Researchers at EPFL unveil a robotic hand that breaks biological limitations by detaching from its arm to crawl toward and grab objects. The unsettling but innovative design explores new possibilities for grasping in cluttered environments.
y combinator AI Startups Dominate Y Combinator's Latest Demo Day Event Y Combinator kicks off its S24 Demo Day with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, leaving traditional sectors like fintech and web3 in the background. Notable standouts include robotic airport baggage handlers and space-based data centers.
exoskeleton University of Michigan Builds Robotic Knee Exoskeleton from Drone Parts Researchers at the University of Michigan create a robotic knee exoskeleton using consumer knee braces and drone motors to improve workplace lifting form. The device strengthens the legs to prevent the bad posture often caused by traditional back-support exoskeletons.
google deepmind Google DeepMind Robots Master Shoe Tying and Peer Repair Google DeepMind introduces two new AI systems that enable robots to learn complex dexterous tasks like tying shoes and fixing other robots simply by watching human demonstrations.
robotics Cornell Engineers Create Sub-Millimeter Robots That Morph on Command Cornell University researchers reveal microscopic "metasheet" robots that change shape and crawl when zapped with electricity. The kirigami-inspired machines expand or contract up to 40% of their size.
university of texas University of Texas Offers Undergraduate Robotics to Incoming Freshmen The University of Texas at Austin allows high school students to apply directly to its undergraduate robotics honors program. This early-access approach aims to retain student interest in robotics as the field rapidly expands.
home robots Sixty Years After Rosey the Robot, Home Robots Remain Disappointing Despite decades of anticipation since the debut of Rosey the Robot, home robotics remain largely limited to floor vacuums due to high costs and limited functionality. Manufacturers struggle to create affordable robots that perform complex household tasks effectively.
amazon Amazon Brings On Covariant AI Founders to Boost Warehouse Robotics Amazon hires the founders and a quarter of the staff from AI robotics startup Covariant while licensing their foundational robot models. The deal mirrors a recent strategy to absorb top talent and technology without triggering full acquisition antitrust scrutiny.
figure Figure Unveils Second-Generation Humanoid Robot with OpenAI Speech Figure introduces the Figure 02 humanoid, featuring integrated OpenAI technology for natural conversations on the factory floor. The new robot uses advanced speech capabilities to improve human-robot interaction and workplace safety.
nvidia NVIDIA Announces GTC 2024 Conference Focused on Generative AI and Robotics NVIDIA reveals plans for its flagship GTC 2024 conference in San Jose, where CEO Jensen Huang will showcase the latest breakthroughs in generative AI and accelerated computing. The massive event expects over 300,000 virtual and in-person attendees.
nvidia NVIDIA Unveils GR00T Humanoid AI Model and Jetson Thor Chip at GTC 2024 NVIDIA launches Project GR00T, a foundational AI model for humanoid robots, alongside the powerful new Jetson Thor computing platform.
amazon Amazon Hires Covariant Founders in Latest Robotics Licensing Deal Amazon brings on the co-founders of AI robotics startup Covariant while securing a non-exclusive license to their foundational robotic technology. This strategic move represents Amazon's latest reverse acqui-hire as the company accelerates its warehouse automation efforts.
robotics Robotics Industry Sees Major Funding and AI Integration in June The robotics sector experiences rapid growth midway through 2024 with significant investments, new control platforms, and expanded autonomous deployments.
nvidia NVIDIA Unveils Blackwell GPU and AI Robotics Platform at GTC 2024 NVIDIA announces its powerful new Blackwell GPU architecture and NVIDIA Inference Microservices to handle trillion-parameter AI models. The company also reveals a full hardware and software stack designed to power the next generation of physical AI robotics.