#robotics

FastVLA is a robotics training method that enables training 7B parameter policies for $0.48 per hour on Nvidia T4/L4 GPUs. The approach makes large-scale vision-language-action model training more accessible and cost-effective.

Chinese companies are establishing training centers where human workers teach humanoid robots repetitive tasks like folding clothes and assembling electronics. These data factories aim to create datasets that help robots learn manual skills for manufacturing and service industries.

Siemens has deployed an Nvidia-powered humanoid robot at its factory in Erlangen, Germany. The robot is designed to perform repetitive tasks and work alongside human employees. This trial represents a collaboration between Siemens and robotics company Humanoid.

Ukraine is deploying robotic systems, including drones and ground robots, to perform dangerous battlefield tasks like demining and reconnaissance. These machines can reduce human casualties by taking on high-risk missions that would otherwise endanger soldiers. The technology represents a shift toward more automated warfare in the conflict with Russia.

Humanoid robots demonstrated significant technological progress by completing a Beijing half-marathon faster than many human participants. The event showcased advances in robotics and artificial intelligence as the machines navigated the urban course.

The article discusses various types of robots available for purchase in China today, including industrial automation systems, service robots, and collaborative robots used in manufacturing and logistics. It highlights the range of robotic technologies currently accessible to buyers in the Chinese market.

A humanoid robot completed a half-marathon in Beijing in 34 minutes and 32 seconds, beating the human world record by 6.5 minutes. The robot, developed by Chinese researchers, ran the 13.1-mile course using a combination of walking and running gaits.

Robots have surpassed human records at the Beijing half-marathon, marking a significant milestone in robotic athletic performance. The event showcased advanced robotic technology competing in endurance running events.

A humanoid robot named Cassie has set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest half-marathon by a bipedal robot, completing the 13.1-mile course in just over 53 minutes. The robot, developed by Oregon State University researchers, achieved this milestone using machine learning to maintain balance and navigate the route autonomously.

The article argues that the current debugging process in robotics is inefficient and broken. It highlights how developers spend excessive time on repetitive debugging tasks that slow down innovation. The piece suggests that better tools and approaches are needed to improve the robotics development workflow.

The article discusses how AI agents could coordinate tasks autonomously while still requiring human involvement for physical delivery and complex decision-making. It explores the balance between automated coordination and human execution in various service contexts.

The article presents a catechism for robots, outlining fundamental principles and questions about robot behavior, ethics, and their relationship with humans. It explores how robots might be programmed to understand their purpose and limitations in a human-dominated world.

MuJoCo is a free, open-source physics engine by Google DeepMind, designed for robotics, biomechanics, and machine learning research. It offers fast, accurate multi-joint dynamics simulation with contact, constraints, and actuators.

Hugging Face and Pollen Robotics sent a Reachy Mini robot for testing. The robot, introduced by Jensen Huang at CES, responds to human input and performs tasks like turning its head and sending emails.

This reading list covers topics including a quadruped welding robot, China Shock 2.0, transformer startups, and China's mysteriously moving satellites. The collection examines various technological and industrial developments across multiple sectors.