The future of robotics
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Guest Jeannette Bohg) is an expert in robotics who says there is a transformation happening in her field brought on by recent advances in large language models. The LLMs have a certain common sense baked in and robots are using it to plan and to reason as never before. But they still lack low-level sensorimotor control — like the fine skill it takes to turn a doorknob. New models that do for robotic control what LLMs did for language could soon make such skills a reality, Bohg tells host Russ Altman) on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s *The Future of Everything *podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Jeannette Bogh: Website)
• Stanford Profile: Website)
• Jeannette's Lab: Website)
• Robotics startup Jeannette discusses: Diligent Robotics)

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website)
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads) / Bluesky) / Mastodon)
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X) / Instagram) / LinkedIn) / Facebook)

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ introduces guest Professor Jeannette Bohg, an expert in robotics from Stanford University.

(00:01:58)** AI's Impact on Robotics**

How AI is transforming robotics and the use of AI in high-level planning and reasoning in robotics.

(00:04:26)** Challenges of Applying Language Models in Robotics**

The challenges and potential of using large language models for robotic task planning and interaction between humans and robots.

(00:07:06)** Data Shortages in Robotics**

The scarcity of training data in robotics compared to other AI fields and its impact on development.

(00:10:43)** Human-Robot Interaction and Augmentation**

The potential for robots to augment human capabilities rather than replace them and different approaches to autonomy in robotics.

(00:16:41)** The Future of Robotic Hardware**

The current state of robotic hardware, its limitations, and what the future might hold for robotic development.

(00:19:53)** The Financial and Practical Realities of Robotic Research**

Cost and maintenance challenges associated with robotic research platforms, as well as practical applications of robotics in everyday life.

(00:25:11)** Humanoid Robots vs. Practical Robots**

The practicality and implications of designing robots that mimic human appearance and capabilities.

(00:27:55)** Future Outlook and Commercial Viability**

The future outlook for robotic platforms and when they might become commercially available.

(00:29:08)** Conclusion**

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website)

Connect with Russ >>> Threads) / Bluesky) / Mastodon)

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X) / Instagram) / LinkedIn) / Facebook)