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.
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.
Explore the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024.
RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024
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 |