Artificial Intelligence surpasses robo-competition in Olympic-style Greek event for humanoids
In the realm of technology, advancements are being made in various sectors, and two areas that have captured the attention of researchers and the public alike are humanoid robotics and renewable energy. Here's a snapshot of recent developments in these fields.
Humanoid Robotics
The journey of humanoid robots is progressing, albeit at a slower pace than Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to estimates, humanoids are approximately 100,000 years behind AI in learning from data, due to a significant divide in data availability. However, researchers and scientists are leveraging reinforcement learning to help humanoid robots learn from data in real time.
One of the pioneers in this field is Toshiyuki Masui, who is working on solutions to bridge the data learning gap for humanoid robots. Meanwhile, Minas Liarokapis, a Greek academic, predicts that humanoids will first venture into space and then into homes, with a timeline of more than 10 years before they enter our households.
Innovative ideas are also being proposed to increase data collection for humanoids. Ken Goldberg, a University of California, Berkeley professor, suggests that robots could collect data as they perform useful work, such as driving taxis or sorting packages.
Renewable Energy
On the energy front, significant strides are being made. A US team has discovered a cheaper method to convert plastic waste and coal into hydrogen fuel. This breakthrough could potentially revolutionise the energy sector by providing a cost-effective solution for waste management and energy production.
In the realm of solar power, China is developing a transparent coating that can turn ordinary windows into solar power generators. This innovation could lead to a significant increase in renewable energy production, especially in commercial and residential buildings.
Another exciting development is the unlocking of 80% more electricity from US data centers, thanks to a 'solar bump' breakthrough. This improvement could lead to substantial energy savings for the tech industry.
Challenges and Solutions
Faster learning is essential for humanoid robots to keep pace with the rise of AI software and tools. To address this, Hon Weng Chong, CEO of Cortical Labs, is developing a biological computer brain for humanoids, modelled after the human brain, to learn and respond to information at a faster rate.
The Humanoid Olympics, the world's first event of its kind, showcased the capabilities of humanoid robots in practical scenarios. Despite some limitations, such as the exclusion of high jump due to the need for specialized legs, the event provided a platform for fair progress checks and highlighted tasks that humanoid robots could realistically achieve.
In the energy sector, researchers have made significant strides in fuel cell technology. They have broken the one-megawatt power barrier for EV and aviation applications, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.
Lastly, a breakthrough in aviation fuel has seen captured carbon being converted into a palm oil-like fat for use as fuel. This development could potentially reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry.
The future of technology is exciting, with advancements in humanoid robotics and renewable energy promising a more sustainable and efficient world.
