Smarter Robot Bodies
Throughout history, humans have used tools and machines to reduce the burden of physical labour. Robots are increasingly able to act independently in complex and dynamic environments but advanced machines with basic hardware only go so far; for humanity to reap the benefits of smarter machines, robots need smarter bodies.
What if we could create robots with the grace and robustness of biological organisms to ease the labour challenges of tomorrow?
Defined by our Programme Directors (PDs), opportunity spaces are areas we believe are likely to yield breakthroughs.
In Smarter Robot Bodies, we seek to understand how progress in AI, control, materials, and manufacturing could help improve robotic bodies, unlock the benefits of intelligent machines, and improve human productivity and welfare.
Beliefs
The core beliefs that underpin this opportunity space:
A world where robots free humanity from physical labour is not only possible → it is imperative if we wish to boost longevity and prosperity.
Advances in sensing and computation are improving robot brains, but that alone won’t enable ubiquitous robotics → limitations of robot bodies will soon be the critical obstacle.
Progress in AI, control, materials, and manufacturing opens up previously inaccessible design spaces → we can exploit these to build robots that approach or even exceed the capabilities of living bodies.
Programme development: Robot Locomotion
We're sharing a programme thesis exploring a potential programme focused on robot locomotion. It outlines our current thinking on how new forms of locomotion could enable robots to operate beyond the limits of today's machines, from carrying loads across rough terrain to inspecting hard-to-reach infrastructure.
Programme: Robot Dexterity
To build a programme within an opportunity space, our Programme Directors direct the review, selection, and funding of a portfolio of projects.
Through the Robot Dexterity programme, we have selected and funded cutting-edge research across robotic hardware and advanced simulation to demonstrate a paradigm-shift in robotic abilities. Backed by £57m, this programme aims to transform robotic capabilities and unlock a step change in human productivity.
Workshops
Since we began funding projects within the Smarter Robot Bodies opportunity space – both through opportunity seeds and the Robot Dexterity programme – we’ve facilitated multiple workshops to support Creators and enable knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Catch up on the workshops by watching the recordings below.
