Why Don’t We Have Better Robots Yet? | Ken Goldberg | TED

Summary

In this talk, the speaker humorously addresses the gap between our expectations of home robots and the reality, highlighting the challenges of robot manipulation. Despite advancements in technology like tricorders and satellites, home robots capable of complex tasks remain elusive. The speaker, a researcher at UC Berkeley, delves into Moravec's paradox, explaining why simple human tasks are difficult for robots. They discuss hardware and software hurdles, including the unreliability of robot hands and the complexities of perception and physics. The speaker shares their work on AI and deep learning to improve robot grasping in e-commerce, showcasing the progress with Dex-net and Ambi Robotics. They also touch on ongoing research for home robots, including handling deformable objects and everyday tasks like folding laundry, emphasizing the ongoing efforts despite the slow pace of advancement.

Takeaways

• 🤖 The speaker humorously points out the gap between the advanced technology we have (like tricorders and satellites) and the lack of helpful home robots.
• 🔍 The reality of robotics is often far less impressive than what's seen in popular culture, with many robots failing simple tasks.
• 🤔 Moravec's paradox is introduced as a key concept, highlighting that tasks easy for robots are hard for humans, and vice versa.
• 🤲 The development of robot hands is discussed, with a preference for simple, reliable, and cost-effective designs like the parallel jaw gripper.
• 🛠 The hardware challenges in robotics include creating reliable, lightweight, and affordable robotic hands.
• 💡 The software side of robotics is identified as particularly challenging due to uncertainties in control, perception, and physics.
• 👀 Advances like LIDAR have improved 3D perception for robots, but they still have limitations, especially with shiny or transparent objects.
• 📦 E-commerce has become a 'sweet spot' for robotics, with companies like Ambi Robotics using AI and deep learning to improve package handling.
• 🍽 The speaker discusses ongoing research into making robots more capable in homes, including handling deformable objects and performing tasks like untangling knots and folding laundry.
• 🚀 Despite the progress, the speaker acknowledges that we're not yet at the level of home robots seen in futuristic visions, but encourages patience as development continues.

Q & A

What is Moravec's paradox as mentioned in the script?

Moravec's paradox refers to the phenomenon that what is easy for robots, such as lifting heavy objects, is difficult for humans, and what is easy for humans, like manipulating small or delicate objects, is very hard for robots. This paradox highlights the persistent challenge in robotics of grasping arbitrary objects.

Why are simple hands like the parallel jaw gripper and suction cup preferred in robotics?

Simple hands are favored in robotics due to their reliability, lightweight design, and cost-effectiveness. They are also easier to maintain and can be effective for a wide range of tasks, as demonstrated by the video where simple grippers perform complex actions.

How does LIDAR technology assist in addressing the perception challenges for robots?

LIDAR, which uses light beams to create a three-dimensional model of the environment, helps robots perceive their surroundings more accurately. It provides a breakthrough in understanding the spatial layout of objects, although it still has limitations with shiny or transparent objects that can cause unpredictable light reflections.

What is the significance of the Dex-net system in the context of the script?

Dex-net is a system developed by the speaker and their students that enables robots to reliably pick up objects. It uses AI and deep learning to train the robot in simulation, allowing it to grasp a variety of objects it has not been specifically trained on, which is a significant advancement in the field of robotics.

What is the current application of the technology developed by the speaker's company, Ambi Robotics?

Ambi Robotics applies the technology developed at UC Berkeley to sort packages in the e-commerce industry. Their machines pick up, scan, and sort packages into smaller bins based on zip codes, addressing the high demand for efficient package delivery.

Why is manipulating deformable objects considered a challenge for robots?

Manipulating deformable objects is challenging for robots because these objects can change shape and are often difficult to grasp and control. Robots need to understand the physical properties and behavior of these objects to interact with them effectively, which is a complex problem in robotics.

What is the 'two-second fold' technique mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to robot folding laundry?

The 'two-second fold' is a technique used to demonstrate the efficiency of a robot folding laundry. The robot performs the same folding action as a human but in a slightly longer time frame, which is still considered real-time and not sped up, showcasing progress in the speed of robotic folding.

How does the speaker's research on untangling knots and folding laundry illustrate the progress and challenges in robotics?

The speaker's research on untangling knots and folding laundry demonstrates the progress in robotics by showing that robots can now perform tasks that were once thought to be extremely difficult. However, it also highlights the challenges, as these tasks are still not performed at the speed or reliability that would be practical for everyday use.

What is the role of AI and deep learning in the development of robots as discussed in the script?

AI and deep learning play a crucial role in the development of robots by enabling them to learn and improve their grasping abilities through simulation. This technology allows robots to 'dream' about how to grasp objects and learn to do so reliably, which is a significant step towards more autonomous and capable robots.

Why is the speaker advocating for patience when it comes to the development of home robots?

The speaker advocates for patience because, despite significant advancements, there is still a gap between the capabilities of robots seen in popular culture and the reality of current technology. Developing robots that can perform complex tasks in unstructured environments like homes is a challenging process that requires time and continued research.