Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Tech Leaders Echo Asimov's Warnings on Robotics and AI Threats to Society
Recent discussions among tech leaders and lawmakers reflect concerns similar to those expressed by Isaac Asimov regarding the dangers posed by robotics and AI. Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics, introduced in 1942, are increasingly relevant as fears grow about AI's potential threats to human civilization. Notably, only Advanced Robotic Technologies Inc. has integrated these principles into its generative AI software for industrial applications. The urgency of these discussions is underscored by warnings from industry figures like Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, who advocates for a slowdown in the development of frontier AI models. He highlights the risks associated with autonomous AI agents that can perform complex tasks without human oversight. This sentiment is echoed by other leaders, including Sam Altman of OpenAI and Elon Musk, who share concerns about the rapid pace of AI advancements and their implications for human safety. As society grapples with the potential for AI to endanger human civilization, the conversation is shifting from individual robot harm to the broader implications of intelligent robots on humanity. Asimov's later introduction of the Zeroth Law, which prioritizes the welfare of humanity, suggests that the ethical framework for AI must evolve to address these emerging threats.
Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence / Cognition Ethics News Opinion Safety & Security
Asimov Releases Open-Source Training Code for Humanoid Robot Locomotion
Asimov has announced the open-source release of the training code for its humanoid robot's walking capabilities. This initiative, revealed on September 25, allows developers to inspect and modify the locomotion policy of Asimov 1, providing a foundation for adapting the robot's controller to different hardware and exploring various walking styles. This development is significant as it enhances the accessibility of robotics technology, enabling a broader community of developers to contribute to the evolution of humanoid robotics. By providing the isaac_asimov repository built on NVIDIA’s Isaac Lab simulation framework, Asimov encourages innovation in training methodologies, which could lead to improved humanoid performance and capabilities. Looking ahead, developers will be able to utilize the released training framework to bridge the simulation-to-hardware gap, although no further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication. The community's engagement with this open-source initiative could accelerate advancements in humanoid locomotion and related technologies.
open-source Asimov locomotion
Asimov 1 DIY Humanoid Robot Kits Begin Shipping with Final Cost Details Revealed
The Asimov team has announced that the first production batch of the Asimov 1 DIY humanoid robot kits is set to ship shortly, marking a significant milestone for the Menlo Research project. This transition from open-source CAD files to tangible hardware represents a critical step in testing the viability of community-built humanoids outside of traditional industrial environments. The importance of this development lies in its potential to democratize access to advanced robotics. The Asimov 1 kits are priced at a total landed cost of $20,000, significantly lower than the typical $30,000 cost for standalone industry-grade actuators. This pricing strategy aims to make high-spec robotics hardware accessible to research labs and independent engineers, while also mitigating the financial risks associated with manufacturing failures in the open-source sector. Looking ahead, the Asimov team emphasizes the need for a reliable supply chain to avoid the pitfalls of proprietary platforms that can leave developers waiting for essential parts. As builders receive their kits, the focus will be on the assembly process, which requires around 100 hours of labor to complete. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
open-source Asimov
Menlo Research Open-Sources Asimov v1, Releasing CAD and Simulation Files for "The Rest of Us"
Menlo Research has unveiled the complete open-source repository for the Asimov v1 humanoid robot, coinciding with the launch of their "Here Be Dragons" kit. This comprehensive release includes detailed mechanical designs, electrical wiring schematics, and a MuJoCo simulation model, aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration within the robotics community. The initiative, announced recently, seeks to empower developers and researchers by providing them with the necessary resources to advance humanoid robotics. By making these materials publicly accessible, Menlo Research hopes to stimulate further research and development in the field, encouraging a collaborative approach to technological advancement.
open-source Asimov
Beyond the Kit: Asimov Details the 100-Hour Path to a Walking Humanoid
Menlo Research has unveiled a detailed guide to accompany its recently launched "Here Be Dragons" DIY kit, aimed at enthusiasts looking to construct a 1.2-meter humanoid robot at home. This guide addresses the mechanical, electronic, and simulation challenges that builders may encounter during the assembly process. The initiative, which seeks to empower hobbyists and aspiring engineers, provides step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips to facilitate the creation of the humanoid. By offering this resource, Menlo Research hopes to enhance the accessibility of advanced robotics projects, encouraging innovation and hands-on learning in the field.
US open-source Asimov
Asimov Launches $15,000 "Here Be Dragons" DIY Humanoid Kit
Menlo Research has transitioned its open-source project, Asimov, from a GitHub repository to tangible hardware, introducing a bipedal kit aimed at facilitating rapid iteration and "Processor-in-the-Loop" development. This move, announced in October 2023, marks a significant step in the project’s evolution, allowing developers and researchers to engage in hands-on experimentation with bipedal robotics. The new hardware kit is designed to streamline the development process, enabling users to quickly test and refine their algorithms in real-world scenarios. By bridging the gap between software and physical implementation, Menlo Research aims to enhance innovation in robotic systems and foster a collaborative environment for advancements in the field.
open-source Asimov
Saab Awarded ASIMOV Contract by DARPA to Develop Responsible AI Benchmarks for Autonomous Systems
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has contracted a team led by Saab, Inc.’s newly established accelerator, Skapa by Saab, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This partnership is part of DARPA's Autonomy Standards and Ideals with Military Operational Values (ASIMOV) program, which seeks to create benchmarks for objectively and quantitatively assessing the ethical complexities of future autonomous systems and their readiness for military applications. The initiative underscores the growing importance of integrating ethical considerations into the development of autonomous technologies in defense.
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