Boston Dynamics taught Spot robot to speak (yes, with ChatGPT and other AI models) – video
Boston Dynamics has created Spot, a robot tour guide that is integrated with ChatGPT and other AI models and can support conversations and imitate different communication styles.
What happened
Boston Dynamics presented a video demonstrating the innovative capabilities of Spot robots that actively use advanced artificial intelligence technologies. They not only act as guides, moving along predetermined routes, but also interact with the environment on the basis of understanding the context and answering questions. This was made possible by the integration of modern AI models, including ChatGPT, which facilitate creative interaction between robots and humans.
The scenarios developed for Spot robots include a variety of characters and roles, ranging from an archaeologist talking about the 1920s to an actor quoting Shakespeare. These roles emphasize the ability of robots to adapt to the context and change the way they interact. This interaction is taken to a new level by experimenting with sarcasm and other human-specific forms of communication, opening the door to a deeper exploration of human language and behavior.
A detailed study of Spot’s capabilities also focuses on the use of robots in high-risk or complex situations where high manipulation accuracy is required. This can have a wide range of applications in various industries, from production automation to emergency response.
In addition, the project demonstrates the robots’ “lateral thinking,” which is reflected in their ability to make associative connections between words, ideas, and cultural concepts, according to which they form answers to indirect questions. This creates the basis for further development of artificial intelligence towards a deeper understanding and interpretation of human experience and the socio-cultural context.
What else can he do?
The video also emphasizes the possibilities of personalizing the robot’s character by changing just a few lines in the script, allowing the robot to interact with people more naturally and with different “personalities”. One example that was presented includes a robot that behaves like an archaeologist in the 1920s, or like a Shakespearean actor. The video also demonstrates how the robot is able to perform complex tasks, such as conducting tours or performing industrial inspections, with high precision and grace.
Why it is important
The integration of advanced artificial intelligence technologies into robots will not only allow robots to better perceive the world, but also to act effectively in it, using their own interpretations and conclusions, which will ensure greater autonomy and adaptability in a wide range of tasks and scenarios.
About Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics is a pioneer in the development of advanced robots known for their mobility, flexibility, and performance. Founded in 1992 as an outgrowth of MIT, the company has released several revolutionary models, including BigDog, Atlas, and Spot. Their robots, capable of performing tasks in difficult conditions, have found application in civil, industrial, and military fields. Boston Dynamics’ strategy is to combine innovative ideas and technical expertise to further advance the field of robotics, which aims to improve human life and work processes.
Boston Dynamics is owned by the Hyundai Motor Group. The South Korean automotive giant acquired the company from SoftBank Group in December 2020. In turn, SoftBank Group acquired Boston Dynamics from Google, the parent company of Alphabet Inc. The deal was announced in June 2017. The reason for the sale was difficulties with the commercialization of Boston Dynamics products within Alphabet, as well as Alphabet’s strategic decision to focus on other areas of the business. SoftBank, which has invested in a wide range of technology companies, saw significant potential in the robotics developed by Boston Dynamics, but later decided to sell the company to Hyundai in 2020.
