Kriti PatelTLDR:
- NEC has developed AI technology for robotics that enables precise handling operations on disorderly placed items.
- The technology consists of Spatiotemporal Prediction and Robot Motion Generation based on “World Models”.
- The technology allows robots to autonomously execute precise actions in optimal sequences for items of various shapes and sizes and operate while predicting hidden and invisible items.
NEC, a large Japanese multinational information technology and electronics company, has recently announced the development of AI technology for robotics that enables precise handling operations on unorganized and disorderly placed items. This technology, based on “World Models”, consists of two key components: Spatiotemporal Prediction and Robot Motion Generation.
In recent years, the need for automation in logistics warehouses and factories has been increasing due to labor shortages and other factors. However, existing robotics technologies have struggled to correctly recognize environments where objects and obstacles are disorderly placed, limiting robots to simple and routine tasks. NEC’s new AI technology aims to address this challenge by accurately predicting the work environment and results of robot actions.
The technology enables robots to autonomously execute precise actions in optimal sequences for items of various shapes and sizes. This includes actions such as “push” and “pull”, which are typically more difficult to execute with high precision using conventional technologies. Additionally, the technology allows robots to operate while predicting hidden and invisible items, enabling them to avoid collisions and interference with other objects.
NEC plans to test this technology in logistics warehouses and other manual work sites by the end of 2024, with the goal of contributing to improved productivity and work style reform. By promoting the social implementation of this technology in industries that require automation, NEC aims to drive advancements in robotics and automation while enhancing efficiency and safety in various work environments.
