RBR50 Spotlight: TRI builds large behavior models to teach robots

3 months ago 49

Listen to this article

Voiced by Amazon Polly


Organization: Toyota Research Institute
Country: U.S.
Website: https://www.tri.global
Year Founded: 2015
Number of Employees: 201-500
Innovation Class: Technology, Product & Services


Generative AI garnered a lot of attention in 2023, but developers have only just started applying it to robotics. In September 2023, Toyota Research Institute (TRI) announced what it said was a “breakthrough” approach based on Diffusion Policy to quickly teach robots new skills.

rbr50 banner logo.The artificial intelligence advancement was a step toward building large behavior models (LBMs), which promise to do for robots what large language models (LLMs) have done for conversational AI, said TRI. “Our research in robotics is aimed at amplifying people rather than replacing them,” said Gill Pratt, CEO of TRI and chief scientist at parent company Toyota Motor Corp. “This new teaching technique is both very efficient and produces very high-performing behaviors, enabling robots to much more effectively amplify people in many ways.”

Previous AI approaches had limitations such as narrowly defined tasks and the need for numerous time-consuming iterative cycles, according to TRI, which has offices in Los Altos, Calif., and Cambridge, Mass.

In TRI’s approach, a teacher instructed a custom two-armed robot with haptic demonstrations, and the system then uses Diffusion Policy to learn the skill. It can do so with dozens of demonstrations in days rather than the weeks spent coding and testing, the company added.

The Drake model-based design provided TRI with a toolbox and realistic simulation platform. The optimization framework began as an internal model and has since been released as open-source.

TRI said it has taught robots to do more than 60 tasks such as pouring liquids, using tools, and manipulating soft objects by supplying them with new images and tactile sensing data rather than by writing code. TRI said it hopes to reach 1,000 skills by the end of 2024.

By enabling robots to interact with the world in more varied ways, Toyota Research Institute said it is making them better able to support people in everyday, unstructured environments.


SITE AD for the 2024 RoboBusiness registration now open. Register now and save.


Explore the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024.

Toyota Research Institute robot with a gripper with RBR50 banner.


RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards 2024

OrganizationInnovation
ABB RoboticsModular industrial robot arms offer flexibility
Advanced Construction RoboticsIronBOT makes rebar installation faster, safer
Agility RoboticsDigit humanoid gets feet wet with logistics work
Amazon RoboticsAmazon strengthens portfolio with heavy-duty AGV
Ambi RoboticsAmbiSort uses real-world data to improve picking
ApptronikApollo humanoid features bespoke linear actuators
Boston DynamicsAtlas shows off unique skills for humanoid
BrightpickAutopicker applies mobile manipulation, AI to warehouses
Capra RoboticsHircus AMR bridges gap between indoor, outdoor logistics
DexterityDexterity stacks robotics and AI for truck loading
DisneyDisney brings beloved characters to life through robotics
DoosanApp-like Dart-Suite eases cobot programming
Electric SheepVertical integration positions landscaping startup for success
ExotecSkypod ASRS scales to serve automotive supplier
FANUCFANUC ships one-millionth industrial robot
FigureStartup builds working humanoid within one year
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and LogisticsevoBot features unique mobile manipulator design
Gardarika TresDevelops de-mining robot for Ukraine
Geek+Upgrades PopPick goods-to-person system
GlidanceProvides independence to visually impaired individuals
Harvard UniversityExoskeleton improves walking for people with Parkinson’s disease
ifm efectorObstacle Detection System simplifies mobile robot development
igusReBeL cobot gets low-cost, human-like hand
InstockInstock turns fulfillment processes upside down with ASRS
Kodama SystemsStartup uses robotics to prevent wildfires
Kodiak RoboticsAutonomous pickup truck to enhance U.S. military operations
KUKARobotic arm leader doubles down on mobile robots for logistics
Locus RoboticsMobile robot leader surpasses 2 billion picks
MassRobotics AcceleratorEquity-free accelerator positions startups for success
MecademicMCS500 SCARA robot accelerates micro-automation
MITRobotic ventricle advances understanding of heart disease
MujinTruckBot accelerates automated truck unloading
MushinyIntelligent 3D sorter ramps up throughput, flexibility
NASAMOXIE completes historic oxygen-making mission on Mars
Neya SystemsDevelopment of cybersecurity standards harden AGVs
NVIDIANova Carter gives mobile robots all-around sight
Olive RoboticsEdgeROS eases robotics development process
OpenAILLMs enable embedded AI to flourish
OpteranApplies insect intelligence to mobile robot navigation
Renovate RoboticsRufus robot automates installation of roof shingles
RobelAutomates railway repairs to overcome labor shortage
Robust AICarter AMR joins DHL's impressive robotics portfolio
Rockwell AutomationAdds OTTO Motors mobile robots to manufacturing lineup
SereactPickGPT harnesses power of generative AI for robotics
Simbe RoboticsScales inventory robotics deal with BJ’s Wholesale Club
Slip RoboticsSimplifies trailer loading/unloading with heavy-duty AMR
SymboticWalmart-backed company rides wave of logistics automation demand
Toyota Research InstituteBuilds large behavior models for fast robot teaching
ULC TechnologiesCable Splicing Machine improve safety, power grid reliability
Universal RobotsCobot leader strengthens lineup with UR30
Read Entire Article