Robobarista (Photo : Twitter/@DigitalTrends)
Robots are products of artificial intelligence. Now, they are getting closer to possessing humanlike abilities, enabling them to perform more independently. Some can execute movement, do problem solving, and interact socially. In one research facility, a robot raises the flag of artificial intelligence by making a cup of coffee.
Robobarista is a robot that is being developed by researchers at the Robot Learning Lab at Cornell University, as per Digital Trends.
By using a "deep-learning" algorithm, Robobarista's developers are programming him to learn how to operate machines. His program is almost similar to how humans can learn and follow instructions.
Assistant Professor of computer science Ashutosh Saxena explains that Robobarista's capacity involves a two-step process.
First, Robobarista feels the gadget at hand and identifies the item by scanning its database of objects that it knows. After identifying the object, it will start operating it by following the gadget's online instruction manual in its database, along with its comprehension of how humans utilize the device.
Robobarista executes its movements following an online mechanical movement database gathered from other robots and a crowdsourcing project, in which lessons on how to move are given by the members of the public, as per Gizmag.
The concept involves retention, in which learning how to do or use something becomes imparted in the memory. This means that knowing how to use an object tells how similar ones are used.
Saxena said that the robot has seen two to three coffee machines and is should be able to use other coffee machines.
Brewing a latte was Robobarista's first skill. He can be seen doing it in this video in Digital Trends.
Robobarista is a promising first multifunctional robot as it indicates its capacity to operate more than a single gadget. It can be a potentially effective assistant in the house as it can open the door or brew a cup of coffee after an exhausting day.
