Boston Dynamics, the company with some of the most sophisticated and dexterous robot designs, just taught its SpotMini robot some new tricks — the ability to open doors, be chivalrous to his buddy, and even deal with interference from annoying humans.
SpotMini was earlier shown demonstrating his capabilities to climb stairs, navigate rough terrain, walk, trot and jump. However, spring-loaded doors outfitted with clunky doorknobs seem like something designed exclusively for clunky humans and totally not appropriate for robots, who would probably prefer to live in a world with simple radio controlled doors. But give a four-legged robot a fifth limb — a flexible arm — and of course some brains, and it can do wonders. The chivalry and friendship part is a nice touch. Watch the video below -
In the latest video, SpotMini demonstrates his ability to adapt to annoying humans, without himself getting annoyed. As SpotMini tries to open the door with his arm, the stupid human tries to obstruct and push and pull the robot. However, SpotMini takes it all in stride, keeps his balance (physical and mental) and is able to perform some very impressive maneuvers of his own and outwit the dim-witted human.
According to Boston Dynamics —
A camera in the hand finds the door handle, cameras on the body determine if the door is open or closed and navigate through the doorway. Software provides locomotion, balance and adjusts behavior when progress gets off track. The ability to tolerate and respond automatically to disturbances like these improves successful operation of the robot.
Boston Dynamics claims that “this testing does not irritate or harm the robot”.
In case you missed the debut of the back-flipping robot named Atlas, (who can also pick up and shelve boxes and take brisk walks in snow-covered woods), here is the video again.
Boston Dynamics has been known to “abuse” its robots, subject them to punishment and make them perform menial tasks —
all, of course, in the name of training them to live in the blissful future world of servitude to humans.
Let’s all hope that SpotMini, Atlas and other robots do not remember this episode too well or that they do not watch this video in the near future ;)
For further reading about the role of robots (besides fun and entertainment), AI and the long-term effects on jobs and the future of humanity, please take a look at the references.
Further Reading
- A Small Step for Robots, a Giant Kick for Mankind? — www.dailykos.com/…
- When Will AI Exceed Human Performance? — www.dailykos.com/…
- AI and the Future of Jobs — www.dailykos.com/...