A man asks a humanoid robot behind a table, “What do you see right now?” In response, the robot points out a red apple on a plate in the center of the table, a drying rack with cups and a plate, and the man standing nearby with his hand on the table. The man then requests something to eat, to which the robot responds, “Sure thing.” The robot picks up the apple with its right hand, passes it to its left hand, and hands it to the man, explaining that it gave the apple as it was the only edible item it could provide.
This demonstration caused widespread amazement as it showcased a robot that could hold spoken conversations, recognize and manipulate objects, solve problems, and explain its actions. Figure is not alone in producing such impressive results, as other robotics companies are also making significant advancements. After years of slow progress, robots suddenly seem to be getting a lot cleverer.
So what changed to enable these advancements in robotics technology? The answer lies in advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and sensors. These improvements have opened up new possibilities for robots in various industries from manufacturing to healthcare to customer service. As robots continue to evolve and become more intelligent, their potential applications are endless.
