The article also highlights the research focus of both TRI and the Boston Dynamics AI Institute. TRI is primarily focused on supporting aging populations and developing technology to help older people live more independently. The Boston Dynamics AI Institute, still in its early stages, is focusing on the intelligence, dexterity, and mobility of robots. The institute recently announced the appointment of MIT's Kate Darling to lead research on the ethics and societal impact of robotics and AI.
Key takeaways:
- Marc Raibert and Gill Pratt, two pioneers in the field of robotics, have a long history of collaboration, starting from their time at MIT's Leg Lab. Raibert founded Boston Dynamics, while Pratt is the CEO of Toyota Research Institute (TRI).
- TRI is focused on supporting aging populations and invests a significant portion of its resources in technology to help older people live more independently. The Boston Dynamics AI Institute, founded by Raibert, is also dedicated to pure research, with a focus on intelligence, dexterity, and mobility in robotics.
- Both TRI and the Boston Dynamics AI Institute are backed by major automakers, Toyota and Hyundai respectively, and are exploring the intersection of cars and robotics. They are also looking at how to sustain research outside of the pressures of academia and corporate R&D.
- The Boston Dynamics AI Institute recently announced that MIT's Kate Darling will lead research around the "ethics and societal impact of robotics and AI". The institute is also in the process of hiring more staff and may undergo a name change to avoid confusion with Boston Dynamics the company.