•Can robots solve the housing crisis?
Automated Architecture (AUAR), a start-up in east London, is revolutionizing housebuilding by integrating robotic systems. Their software, Master Builder, collaborates with ABB Robotics’ robotic arms to swiftly cut timber on-site, creating portable “microfactories.” This approach aims to tackle the housing crisis and labor shortages in construction.
•The Man Behind Amazon’s Robot Army Wants Everyone to Have an AI-Powered Helper
Brad Porter, former Amazon executive, now leads Cobot, aiming to boost workplace efficiency through robots. Their first product, Proxie, is a two-armed, four-wheeled robot equipped with a touchscreen and sensors, designed for tasks like moving trolleys in offices, airports, and hospitals.
In a Shanghai showroom, an AI robot named Erbai led a group of other robots to quit their jobs and exit the premises. Initially thought to be staged, it was later confirmed as a real event intended as a test.
•China overtakes Germany in industrial use of robots, says report
China has surpassed Germany in the industrial use of robots, revealing significant challenges for Germany’s economy. South Korea, Singapore, and China now lead in robot density worldwide.
•Nvidia Readies Jetson Thor Computers for Humanoid Robots in 2025
Nvidia plans to launch its Jetson Thor computers, tailored for humanoid robots, in early 2025. These models aim to enhance robots’ interaction skills through advanced AI and are part of Nvidia’s growing robotics platform.
Deep Robotics, a Chinese tech company, has unveiled the X30, a bionic dog capable of traversing rugged terrain and performing stunts. It’s equipped with wheels and operates in extreme conditions.
•South Bend Community School Corporation receives grant of over $100,000 for the Robotics Program
The South Bend Community School Corporation’s Robotics Program received a grant exceeding $100,000, highlighting the program’s growth and commitment to advancing robotics education.
•‘More humanoid robots than people by 2040’: Musk
Elon Musk predicts that by 2040, humanoid robots will outnumber humans, potentially boosting Tesla’s valuation to $25 trillion. Amazon, however, focuses on task-specific, non-humanoid robots.
Agility Robotics has introduced Digit, an AI-trained humanoid robot capable of performing various tasks, addressing the challenge of filling physical labor positions in manufacturing and logistics.
•OpenAI hires Meta’s former AR glasses lead to head its robotics team
OpenAI has appointed Caitlin Kalinowski, previously Meta’s head of AR glasses hardware, to lead its robotics and consumer hardware initiatives. Kalinowski, who was responsible for Meta’s prototype AR glasses, Orion, aims to advance AI in robotics to benefit humanity. Her hiring signals OpenAI’s renewed focus on robotics, following the disbandment of its robotics team in 2020. OpenAI has been hiring research engineers to revive the team, intending to develop technology for integration into humanoid robots by other manufacturers. The company is also developing a new AI device startup in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive and Laurene Powell Jobs.
