Robots are learning in a way that was once thought to be exclusive to humans – by watching themselves.
A recent study shows that robots can use simple video footage to understand their own structure and movement. This ability allows them to adjust their actions and even recover from damage without human any intervention.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a method that enables robots to achieve a deeper understanding of their own bodies.
Instead of relying on engineers to create detailed simulations, these robots watch their own movements, using a regular camera, and teach themselves how their bodies work.
By developing “self-awareness,” these machines could revolutionize automation, making robots more independent, adaptable, and efficient in real-world environments like homes, factories, and disaster zones.
Learning from observation
“Like humans learning to dance by watching their mirror reflection, robots now use raw video to build kinematic self-awareness,” explained study lead author Yuhang Hu, a doctoral student at the Creative Machines Lab at Columbia University.
“Our goal is a robot that understands its own body, adapts to damage, and learns new skills without constant human programming.”
Traditionally, robots are first trained in digital simulations. These simulations help the robots understand movement before they are deployed in the real world.
Content retrieved from: https://www.earth.com/news/robots-can-now-learn-like-humans-using-self-awareness/.
