Robot Learns to Throw a Ball

[AlphaAtlas]

Scientists from the "Robots That Dream" project are teaching a 2 armed robot called "Baxter" to throw a tennis ball, and it looks like it's getting pretty good at it. As opposed to using static calculations, this robot supposedly "learns" from the shots it doesn't make, and uses that information to correct later throws. It doesn't appear to be throwing balls at pitching speeds yet, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time. Thanks to Spectrum for spotting the video.

Check out Baxter here.

DREAM is a robotic project that incorporates sleep and dream-like processes within cognitive architecture. This enables an individual robot or groups of robots to consolidate their experience into more useful and generic formats, thus improving their future ability to learn and adapt. DREAM relies on Evolutionary Neurodynamic ensemble methods as a unifying principle for discovery, optimization, re-structuring and consolidation of knowledge. This new paradigm will make the robot more autonomous in its acquisition, organization and use of knowledge and skills just as long as they comply with the satisfaction of pre-established basic motivations.

 

[Ultima99]

It would be neat to see a more advanced version of this at the level of an MLB pitcher. Equipped with deep learning / AI I'd be interested to see how well the best human batters could hit off of it.

 

[scojer]

It starts with tennis balls and leads to grenades.

What was that guy inputting? Pass/fail or updating calculations?

 

[Dr. Righteous]

"Girls like robots with skills."

 

[Shagittarius]

Just wait it won't be long till they are throwing human heads into baskets.

 

[modi123]

So it's an advanced pitching machine (no, not like in Beer League)?

I'll be more impressed when it can accurately toss irregularly weighted objects like jello, cheese, or a salad.

 

[Oldmodder]

give me a call when it can throw a curve ball.

 

[katanaD]

throwing?? looked a whole lot more like DROPPING the ball into the bucket

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

Robot learns to throw a ball,
Robot learns to kill us all.

Brought to you by Dr Seuss.

 

[Deleted member 94167]

Right? It's all fun and games until a precision thrown grenade lands in your lap.

It starts with tennis balls and leads to grenades.

What was that guy inputting? Pass/fail or updating calculations?

 

[Puterguru]

Scientists from the "Robots That Dream" project are teaching a 2 armed robot called "Baxter" to throw a tennis ball, and it looks like it's getting pretty good at it. As opposed to using static calculations, this robot supposedly "learns" from the shots it doesn't make, and uses that information to correct later throws. It doesn't appear to be throwing balls at pitching speeds yet, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time. Thanks to Spectrum for spotting the video.

Check out Baxter here.

DREAM is a robotic project that incorporates sleep and dream-like processes within cognitive architecture. This enables an individual robot or groups of robots to consolidate their experience into more useful and generic formats, thus improving their future ability to learn and adapt. DREAM relies on Evolutionary Neurodynamic ensemble methods as a unifying principle for discovery, optimization, re-structuring and consolidation of knowledge. This new paradigm will make the robot more autonomous in its acquisition, organization and use of knowledge and skills just as long as they comply with the satisfaction of pre-established basic motivations.

Title should read "Robot is programmed to throw ball", as it didn't learn anything.

 

[wdtiger]

Right? It's all fun and games until a precision thrown grenade lands in your lap.

and because robot, is also tossed with a perfectly timed cook off!

 

[Jtal]

What is this obsession with making robots look and act human? Is walking that great?

If you want to give a task to an automated machine design it in the optimal shape to do the task.

it's like the whole industry devoted to making props for Hollywood movies.

 

[dgz]

Oh, and I suppose Pitch-o-Mat 5000 was just a modified howitzer!

Pretty cool, though

 

[Youn]

What is this obsession with making robots look and act human? Is walking that great?

Because a lot of applications are already designed for human interactivity and being able to step over and around things with agility will be necessary. Of course a lot of things are wheel-chair accessible and designing cheaper robots with those constraints will also be useful.

 

[motqalden]

Robot teaches human to play fetch.

I would have put some kind of auto loader so you didn't have to pick up and give it the ball every time...

 

[DeeFrag]

Pongbot 5000. The ultimate teammate for beer pong.

 

[[21CW]killerofall]

I think we have the beginnings of the first Blernsball pitcher.

 

[Red Falcon]

The dark cyberpunk future is upon us.
Hopefully you all will be ready, if you have the balls!