Clever, capable of learning and flexible: Robots should become increasingly sophisticated partners for humans through the integration of artificial intelligence systems. In the January issue, bild der Wissenschaft reports on the progress in this fascinating field of technology and the possible uses of smart machines.
What science fiction authors once imagined is now becoming more and more reality: the development of artificial intelligence systems is progressing rapidly. A milestone in recent years was the publication of the ChatGPT program from the US company Open AI. The chatbot enabled users for the first time to communicate with a computer system in a similar way to a human. The software can convey knowledge helpfully and also carry out tasks for the users. The basis of this capability is the system’s ability to learn. So far, however, this technology has remained largely incorporeal. But that is about to change: research groups around the world are devoting themselves to the goal of breathing an “AI spirit” into machines.
In the first article of the three-part title topic “AI with Hand and Foot”, bdw author Ulrich Eberl reports on the successes and challenges in the development of smart machines. Above all, they should be able to solve tasks independently and flexibly, without the need for reprogramming. This is made possible by the AI-mediated learning ability: The so-called cognitive robots can teach themselves to deal with all kinds of objects through experimentation and by copying human teachers. In a similar way, they can also learn to assess people’s behavior and adapt to it in a meaningful way. The author also reports in the article “On a first-name basis with the machine” how the developers want to ensure safe handling of the “techno-creatures”.
About clever helpers and robot competitions
The focus will then be on the specific application potential of cognitive robots: Eberl reports on their possible uses in caring for people. An international center for the development of this technology is currently being built in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Robots could therefore help to enable people in need to live independently at home for longer and relieve the burden on carers. Thanks to AI, they can carry out practical tasks ever better, and sophisticated language models also enable complex functions as advisors and entertainers. Studies also show that contact with smart robots can benefit the cognitive abilities of people with dementia, writes the author in the article “Helping Robot Hands”.
In the third part of the title story, Eberl reports on an exciting and fun element in the global development of smart robots: international research teams let their creations compete against each other in competitions. Such events are intended to help find the best technical solutions for specific requirements. Robots playing football or household helpers, for example, demonstrate their superior abilities, which are based, among other things, on artificial intelligence. A team from Germany has also been at the forefront of robot competitions for more than ten years, reports the author in the article “The Champions of the Rhine”.
You can read the articles on the cover topic “AI with Hands and Feet” online as part of a bdw+ subscription, or you can find them in the January issue of bild der Wissenschaft, which will be available in stores from December 20th.