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What is embodied AI and what are its implications?

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The term “embodied artificial intelligence” has become a buzzword in robotics and AI research. Basically it refers to embedding an AI system into a machine, as we’re sure you guessed or knew. 

But let’s deconstruct it a bit and get into the details of what it actually means. At its core, embodied artificial intelligence refers to the idea that intelligence in artificial systems is not solely a product of abstract computation.

Instead, it emerges from the interaction of an AI-equipped physical entity with its environment. This concept underscores the inseparability of physicality, sensory input, and environmental interaction in the manifestation of intelligent behaviour in machines. [Read more…] about What is embodied AI and what are its implications?

Digitising consciousness: Can machines ever be conscious? Or are they conscious already?

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Consciousness has been described as “the hard problem” by philosopher David Chalmers, and the term has stuck. While it seems rather an unimaginative term, it does point to a central truth – scientists and philosophers are finding it very hard to conclusively define it or quantify it in any way.

The fact that consciousness has been identified as a “thing” is probably the greatest achievement so far. Everything else is up for grabs.

Some people say everything has some level of consciousness – from humans to inanimate objects, such as chairs and tables. Others say that only humans can be said to be conscious. [Read more…] about Digitising consciousness: Can machines ever be conscious? Or are they conscious already?

Sincronia enhances warehouse visibility and efficiency with DexoryView

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Sincronia, a provider of pharmaceutical logistics, has partnered with Dexory, a developer of robotics and data intelligence, to integrate DexoryView, its warehouse intelligence solution, into its warehouse operations.

This strategic initiative aligns with Sincronia’s commitment to automating its warehouse operations, aiming to deliver best-in-class service through enhanced inventory accuracy and a focus on workforce innovation.

DexoryView enables Sincronia to conduct daily scans of its warehouse using autonomous robotics transferring precise, actionable data on stock levels and goods movement. [Read more…] about Sincronia enhances warehouse visibility and efficiency with DexoryView

Ambi Robotics releases AI ‘foundation software’ for warehouse robots

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Ambi Robotics, a developer of AI-powered robotic sorting solutions for material handling operations, has launched Prime-1, which it says is “the first robotic foundation model to be deployed in real-world commercial warehouse operations”.

Prime-1, which stands for Production-Ready Industrial Manipulation Expert, provides a unified transformer backbone that can be fine-tuned for a variety of robot operations including 3D perception, package picking, and quality control.

Prime-1 significantly increases performance, accelerates product development, and increases reliability and maintainability of AI-powered robotic solutions from Ambi Robotics. [Read more…] about Ambi Robotics releases AI ‘foundation software’ for warehouse robots

Simbe launches new store robot that combines mobile and fixed sensors

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Simbe Robotics, a provider of robots for retail stores, has launched a new robotic system – the Tally Spot, which it describes as “a breakthrough fixed sensor data capture solution” that complements Tally, Simbe’s autonomous mobile robot.

Developed as an extension of Tally to support higher-frequency scans in specific sections of the store, Tally Spot provides an added layer of visibility into high-turnover and high-risk sales areas, like fresh/produce, prepared foods, alcohol, and even bottom of basket at checkout. [Read more…] about Simbe launches new store robot that combines mobile and fixed sensors

Robot Era unveils ‘groundbreaking’ new large computing model for general-purpose robotics

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Robot Era, a developer of embodied intelligence for robots, has officially launched its native end-to-end large computing model for robotics, calling it “ERA-42”, claiming it “sets a new benchmark in the robotics industry”.

Combining cutting-edge technology with its self-developed five-finger dexterous hand, Robot Era’s XHand1, the ERA-42 showcases unparalleled dexterous operation capabilities and opens the door to an era of universal dexterous operations for embodied large models. [Read more…] about Robot Era unveils ‘groundbreaking’ new large computing model for general-purpose robotics

Palladyne AI achieves ‘key milestone’ with first small drone autonomous tracking flight

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Palladyne AI, a developer of artificial intelligence software for robotic and unmanned platforms in the industrial and defense sectors, says its Palladyne Pilot AI software platform has “achieved a key developmental milestone”.

The company says it conducted the successful first flight of a third-party small drone that demonstrated the ability to identify and prioritize terrestrial targets of interest and then interface with the drone’s autopilot software to follow the prioritized target autonomously.

Palladyne AI had previously successfully demonstrated the Palladyne Pilot AI platform’s ability to identify and prioritize targets on stationary nodes and with hovering drones. [Read more…] about Palladyne AI achieves ‘key milestone’ with first small drone autonomous tracking flight

ABB Robotics selects T-Robotics and Mbodi as AI startup winners

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ABB Robotics has selected T-Robotics and Mbodi as the winners of its 2024 ABB Robotics AI Startup Challenge, marking what the industrial giant says is “a significant milestone” in advancing artificial intelligence solutions for industrial robotics.

Selected from over 100 global applicants, these pioneering startups will help transform how industrial robots understand, learn, and adapt to complex manufacturing environments through breakthrough artificial intelligence solutions.

Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics, says: “Today’s manufacturing challenges demand solutions that combine simplicity with sophisticated AI capabilities. [Read more…] about ABB Robotics selects T-Robotics and Mbodi as AI startup winners

Humanoid robotics set to ‘transform industries with human-like dexterity and intelligence’, says GlobalData

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Humanoid robotics technologies are set to transform industries by offering “advanced dexterity, precision, and human-like capabilities”, according to a new study by GlobalData.

These developments promise to automate complex tasks, address labor shortages, and enhance operational efficiency across industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and service industries, says the data and analytics research company.

Saurabh Daga, project manager of disruptive tech at GlobalData, says: “The rapid progress in humanoid robotics signals a turning point in robotics innovation. [Read more…] about Humanoid robotics set to ‘transform industries with human-like dexterity and intelligence’, says GlobalData

The Turing Test: Origins, significance, and controversies

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The Turing Test is a concept deeply embedded in the history and philosophy of artificial intelligence. First proposed in 1950 by Alan Turing, the pioneering British mathematician and logician, the test aims to address a fundamental question: Can machines think?

Or can machines convincingly appear to be thinking in human-like ways in their responses to questions asked by humans? Or, in other words, can a chatbot fool humans into believing it is human? [Read more…] about The Turing Test: Origins, significance, and controversies