1X Technologies’ Robots Learn Human-like Behaviors to Tackle Household Tasks and Enhance Daily Life

Bernt Børnich, the founder and CEO of 1X Technologies, believes that for robots to truly exhibit intelligent behavior and nuanced interactions, they must live and learn alongside humans. "For robots to be careful around pets, hold doors open for elderly people, and generally behave as we expect them to, they need to experience and learn from the real world," he stated in an interview on the AI Podcast. 1X Technologies is dedicated to creating fully autonomous humanoid robots that prioritize safety, affordability, and adaptability. The company integrates reinforcement learning, expert demonstrations, and real-world data to continuously improve and refine the capabilities of its robots. One such creation, NEO, is designed to tackle everyday household chores. This robot can vacuum, fold laundry, tidy up, and retrieve items, all while ensuring operational safety through tendon-driven mechanisms inspired by human musculoskeletal systems. These innovations help NEO achieve low energy consumption and a gentle touch around delicate objects and living beings. Børnich emphasizes the practical benefits of integrating advanced humanoid robots into daily life. By handling mundane tasks, robots like NEO can significantly boost human productivity, allowing individuals to invest more time in creative and social activities. This approach not only enhances personal well-being but also contributes to a more balanced and productive society. If you are interested in the latest developments in physical AI and robotics, consider attending NVIDIA GTC Paris, which runs from June 10-12. Registration for the conference includes access to sessions focused on humanoid robots, such as one where Børnich discusses 1X Technologies' approach to robot safety. In another session, he delves into how world models enable robots to reverse-engineer solutions from goals, and in a third, he explores how robots can free humans for more meaningful pursuits. Ming-Yu Liu, vice president of research at NVIDIA and an IEEE Fellow, also speaks at the conference. Liu will discuss the importance of world foundation models, which are powerful neural networks capable of simulating and predicting outcomes in real-world environments. These models are crucial for the advancement of physical AI systems, enabling robots to interact more effectively and safely with their surroundings. Joseph Nelson, co-founder and CEO of Roboflow, will present on how his company is making computer vision accessible to a wide range of AI builders. Roboflow's platform simplifies the development process, bridging the gap between complex AI technologies and those who wish to leverage them. The platform supports various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive, by providing tools to solve intricate problems through visual AI. Lastly, Kanjun Qiu, CEO of Imbue, will share insights into the future of AI agents. Qiu envisions a time when individuals can create and use personal AI assistants, much like the personal computers of the late 1970s and early 1980s transformed how people interacted with technology. She sees these AI agents moving beyond mere automation to true collaboration, enhancing users' abilities in various aspects of life. These speakers and sessions highlight the exciting and rapidly evolving field of robotics and AI, demonstrating the potential for technology to improve our daily lives and work environments in profound ways. Whether it's through safer, more adaptable robots or the democratization of AI development, the future is brimming with possibilities.