The announcement follows news that Figure AI is ending its partnership with OpenAI to develop in-house AI models for its humanoid robots, emphasizing the need for vertically integrated AI solutions. OpenAI has been rumored to be exploring humanoid robots, but most companies in the field, including Boston Dynamics, prefer developing bespoke AI models tailored to their unique systems. The RAI Institute, while a separate entity, shares a parent company and goals with Boston Dynamics, aiming to advance the capabilities of intelligent machines.
Key takeaways:
- Boston Dynamics has partnered with the Robotics & AI Institute to enhance reinforcement learning for its Atlas humanoid robot.
- The partnership aims to improve simulation-based learning and real-world application for the Atlas robot, focusing on dynamic running and full-body manipulation.
- The Robotics & AI Institute, founded by Marc Raibert, is funded by Hyundai and allows for more experimental research compared to commercial companies.
- Figure AI has decided to develop its own in-house AI models for humanoid robots, moving away from a partnership with OpenAI.