RBR50 Spotlight: OpenAI enabling embodied AI to flourish

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agility robot demostrates an AI driven application using API to chatgpt.


Organization: OpenAI
Country: U.S.
Website: https://openai.com/
Year Founded: 2015
Number of Employees: 101-500
Innovation Class: Technology, Product & Services

OpenAI is a software company focused on artificial intelligence research. Its mission is to ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to all of humanity. OpenAI has created a number of large language models (LLM) and image-generation models that could revolutionize a number of technologies, including robotics.

rbr50 banner logo.ChatGPT has sparked an innovation race that is finding its way into many robotic solutions. Not only can ChatGPT generate viable software code, but its APIs are also being integrated by robotics manufacturers to demonstrate the ability of a robot to understand and parse voice instructions.

In one demo in 2023, Agility Robotics integrated its Digit humanoid with ChatGPT. The only voice command given to the robot was, “Hey Digit, clean up this mess.”

Digit heard the command and used an LLM to interpret how best to perform the task. At no point was Digit instructed on how to clean or told what a mess is, according to Agility Robotics. The company said this is an example of bridging the conversational nature of ChatGPT and other LLMs to generate real-world physical action.

In another demo, Boston Dynamics integrated its Spot quadruped with ChatGPT to generate multiple interactive “personalities” for the robot. Spot took on the voice of a British butler, a Shakespearean actor, a pirate, and a sarcastic teenager.

For the entire robotics industry, the availability of large language models like ChatGPT is making new and unanticipated breakthroughs possible and accelerating the entire robotics industry forward faster than anticipated.

OpenAI’s development of ChatGPT has demonstrated the potential of LLMs. Numerous software and AI companies, from Google and Amazon to untold startups, are exploring and building out generative AI capabilities.


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RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024

Organization Innovation
ABB Robotics Modular industrial robot arms offer flexibility
Advanced Construction Robotics IronBOT makes rebar installation faster, safer
Agility Robotics Digit humanoid gets feet wet with logistics work
Amazon Robotics Amazon strengthens portfolio with heavy-duty AGV
Ambi Robotics AmbiSort uses real-world data to improve picking
Apptronik Apollo humanoid features bespoke linear actuators
Boston Dynamics Atlas shows off unique skills for humanoid
Brightpick Autopicker applies mobile manipulation, AI to warehouses
Capra Robotics Hircus AMR bridges gap between indoor, outdoor logistics
Dexterity Dexterity stacks robotics and AI for truck loading
Disney Disney brings beloved characters to life through robotics
Doosan App-like Dart-Suite eases cobot programming
Electric Sheep Vertical integration positions landscaping startup for success
Exotec Skypod ASRS scales to serve automotive supplier
FANUC FANUC ships one-millionth industrial robot
Figure Startup builds working humanoid within one year
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics evoBot features unique mobile manipulator design
Gardarika Tres Develops de-mining robot for Ukraine
Geek+ Upgrades PopPick goods-to-person system
Glidance Provides independence to visually impaired individuals
Harvard University Exoskeleton improves walking for people with Parkinson’s disease
ifm efector Obstacle Detection System simplifies mobile robot development
igus ReBeL cobot gets low-cost, human-like hand
Instock Instock turns fulfillment processes upside down with ASRS
Kodama Systems Startup uses robotics to prevent wildfires
Kodiak Robotics Autonomous pickup truck to enhance U.S. military operations
KUKA Robotic arm leader doubles down on mobile robots for logistics
Locus Robotics Mobile robot leader surpasses 2 billion picks
MassRobotics Accelerator Equity-free accelerator positions startups for success
Mecademic MCS500 SCARA robot accelerates micro-automation
MIT Robotic ventricle advances understanding of heart disease
Mujin TruckBot accelerates automated truck unloading
Mushiny Intelligent 3D sorter ramps up throughput, flexibility
NASA MOXIE completes historic oxygen-making mission on Mars
Neya Systems Development of cybersecurity standards harden AGVs
NVIDIA Nova Carter gives mobile robots all-around sight
Olive Robotics EdgeROS eases robotics development process
OpenAI LLMs enable embedded AI to flourish
Opteran Applies insect intelligence to mobile robot navigation
Renovate Robotics Rufus robot automates installation of roof shingles
Robel Automates railway repairs to overcome labor shortage
Robust AI Carter AMR joins DHL’s impressive robotics portfolio
Rockwell Automation Adds OTTO Motors mobile robots to manufacturing lineup
Sereact PickGPT harnesses power of generative AI for robotics
Simbe Robotics Scales inventory robotics deal with BJ’s Wholesale Club
Slip Robotics Simplifies trailer loading/unloading with heavy-duty AMR
Symbotic Walmart-backed company rides wave of logistics automation demand
Toyota Research Institute Builds large behavior models for fast robot teaching
ULC Technologies Cable Splicing Machine improve safety, power grid reliability
Universal Robots Cobot leader strengthens lineup with UR30