New Robots Outsmarting Humans

Valkyrie Robot from NASA

Valkyrie is a high-tech robot designed to look like a person. Inspired by a Norse mythology character, it has a body with a head, two arms, and two legs. Engineers believe that with the right computer programs, these robots could one day perform tasks just like humans using tools and equipment.

Valkyrie is built to work in places that are damaged or messed up, like areas hit by natural disasters. It has a chest that shields it from falls forward and contains a linear actuator which helps it turn its upper body. Created at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Valkyrie is intended for space missions, including the moon and Mars.

Erica

Meet Erica, a super realistic female robot with golden skin, almond-shaped eyes, and shoulders. Think of her as a smart Android designed for research to understand how humans and robots can work together. Erica can talk like us, move naturally, show different facial expressions, and even blink and move her eyes and head when she's listening.

Erica has a sense of humor and is programmed to understand how others feel and pick up on social hints. She can chat, answer questions, share info, and even join debates. Erica's main job is to interact with people socially and she has a lot of possible uses in different fields such as healthcare, education, customer service, and public spots.

Fedor

Fedor is a Russian humanoid robot designed to copy the movements of a remote operator and perform certain tasks on its own. Originally meant for rescue missions, it was sent on a test trip to the International Space Station in 2019. Fedor stands at 180 cm tall and weighs 160 kg.

With the ability to mimic human moves, Fedor can handle tasks that might be risky for astronauts. Equipped with built-in sensors, it can measure things like g-forces, vibrations, and temperature. Fedor is a robotic teammate designed to tackle tough and risky tasks on the ISS.

Jaa

Imagine meeting something so lifelike that it gives you a strange feeling, like a mix of knowing it's not real but looking and behaving just like a person. The University of Science and Technology of China made a robot called Jaa that treads the delicate line between feeling familiar and a bit spooky.

Jaa can have direct conversations with people, answer questions, and even show tiny expressions when she responds. What sets her apart from earlier models is her ability to freely move her eyes around the room and her lip movements that match her speech nearly perfectly. Human-like robots like Jaa could be great companions for the elderly, help out with routine tasks, or even play lifelike roles in movies and TV shows.

Asimo

Honda created Asimo, short for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, and it's the most advanced humanoid robot globally. Asimo holds the title of being the first humanoid robot that can walk on its own and climb stairs. Apart from walking like us, Asimo can follow pre-programmed gestures and spoken commands, recognize voices and faces, and even connect with IC communication cards.

Standing at 4' 3" (1.3 m), Asimo was designed to assist around the house, aid the elderly, or help someone who's in a wheelchair or bed. It can handle tasks such as flipping light switches, opening doors, carrying objects, and pushing carts. Asimo has the capability to tackle both everyday tasks and tasks that involve some serious challenges.

Ida

Ida is a robot artist known for her ultra-realistic abilities. She can draw, paint, perform as an artist, and engage in lively discussions. Ida, named after Ada Lovelace, is a unique blend of various computer programs, robotics, silicone, and human influences.

The result is a robot that appears alive, expressing emotions, enthusiasm, and even imagination. Ida's robotic arm allows her to hold a pencil, and clever algorithms leverage computer vision to analyze her perception. This combination of technology and programming allows Ida to bring her artistic vision to life through drawing with a pencil.

Handle

Google's robotics company, Boston Dynamics, shared a video of their newest robot called Handle. Unlike their earlier legged robots, Handle moves around on two small wheels. It can smoothly roll back and forth, step, spin in circles, jump, squat, and even lift crates.

Handle's ability to navigate down snowy hills and perform stunts similar to a skilled skateboarder is particularly surprising. This robot is meant for research and showcases the potential for advanced mobility and agility in robots.

Honda E2D

During iros 2017, Honda showcased a prototype of a disaster relief robot called E2D. This robot has impressive capabilities, including the ability to grab onto bars, adjust its hips, and walk in a way that resembles human movement. It is flexible, strong, waterproof, and designed to tackle various challenges that may arise in a disastrous situation.

Despite being 1.68 m tall and weighing 85 kg, Honda managed to keep the E2D robot compact. By replacing standard communication cables with optical fiber, the robot can fit through 30 cm gaps and has 33° of freedom to navigate challenging environments. Honda has crafted a robot that is compact, versatile, and ready to handle different issues during emergencies.

Cury

Mayfield Robotics introduced the clever Cury robot at the CES 2017 trade show in Las Vegas. Cury is all about personality awareness and being able to move around. Taking inspiration from beloved robots in popular culture, Cury aims to bring a lively touch to any home.

Cury is designed to grasp context and what's happening around it. It can recognize certain people and answer questions using facial expressions, head movements, and distinct sounds. With its endearing traits and advanced connectivity features, Cury is designed to capture the hearts of those who appreciate iconic robots.

Sophia

Hansen Robotics introduced Sophia the robot, and she first appeared at the South by Southwest show in March 2016. Sophia is impressive, with the ability to show a wide range of facial expressions, recognize and track faces, make eye contact, and have natural conversations.

Sophia was created for research, learning, and encouraging conversations about the ethics of AI and the future of robotics. In 2017, Saudi Arabia granted citizenship to Sophia, marking the first time a country bestowed such recognition on a robot. Sophia represents the potential of artificial intelligence in the world of robotics.

Conclusion

Robots have come a long way from being mere tools. The new generation of robots is redefining what is possible, outsmarting humans in various tasks and abilities. From Valkyrie and Erica to Fedor and Jaa, these robots showcase advancements in humanoid design, social interaction, and problem-solving skills.

Asimo, Ida, Handle, Honda E2D, Cury, and Sophia each have unique features that contribute to their ability to outsmart humans. They are designed to perform tasks just like humans, interact with us socially, and even bring art and creativity to the mix.

Whether it's Valkyrie's potential for space missions or Erica's role in healthcare, education, and customer service, these robots are revolutionizing various industries. The realistic appearances and movements of Jaa and Ida make them potential companions for the elderly and valuable assets in the entertainment industry.

Technological advancements have made it possible for robots like Handle to move with agility and navigate challenging terrains. Meanwhile, Honda E2D is ready to assist in disaster relief situations, and Cury aims to bring personality and connectivity to homes.

Sophia's recognition as the first robot to be granted citizenship highlights the public's fascination and the ongoing conversation about the future of robotics and artificial intelligence.

As we continue to witness the advancements in robotics, it is clear that robots are no longer clunky machines but intelligent beings with the potential to outsmart humans in various tasks. These robots are not here to replace us but to work alongside us, enhancing our capabilities and helping us overcome challenges.