Exploring the Design and Future Challenges of Robotics

Guest Jeannette Bohg is an expert in robotics who says there is a transformation happening in her field brought on by recent advances in large language models. The LLMs have a certain common sense baked in and robots are using it to plan and to reason as never before. But they still lack low-level sensorimotor control — like the fine skill it takes to turn a doorknob. New models that do for robotic control what LLMs did for language could soon make such skills a reality, Bohg tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Jeannette Bogh: Website
• Stanford Profile: Website
• Jeannette's Lab: Website
• Robotics startup Jeannette discusses: Diligent Robotics

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ introduces guest Professor Jeannette Bohg, an expert in robotics from Stanford University.

(00:01:58) AI's Impact on Robotics

How AI is transforming robotics and the use of AI in high-level planning and reasoning in robotics.

(00:04:26) Challenges of Applying Language Models in Robotics

The challenges and potential of using large language models for robotic task planning and interaction between humans and robots.

(00:07:06) Data Shortages in Robotics

The scarcity of training data in robotics compared to other AI fields and its impact on development.

(00:10:43) Human-Robot Interaction and Augmentation

The potential for robots to augment human capabilities rather than replace them and different approaches to autonomy in robotics.

(00:16:41) The Future of Robotic Hardware

The current state of robotic hardware, its limitations, and what the future might hold for robotic development.

(00:19:53) The Financial and Practical Realities of Robotic Research

Cost and maintenance challenges associated with robotic research platforms, as well as practical applications of robotics in everyday life.

(00:25:11) Humanoid Robots vs. Practical Robots

The practicality and implications of designing robots that mimic human appearance and capabilities.

(00:27:55) Future Outlook and Commercial Viability

The future outlook for robotic platforms and when they might become commercially available.

(00:29:08) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook