The world of robotics is continuously evolving, with groundbreaking advancements that redefine our understanding of what robots can achieve. We are sharing some robotics news that made headlines last week.
TOKUFASTbot Breaks Rubik’s Cube Record
Let’s start the robotics news with Mitsubishi Electric’s TOKUFASTbot. It has set a new world record by solving a Rubik’s Cube in an astonishing 0.305 seconds. This feat outpaces the previous human record of 3.13 seconds set by Max Park in 2023 and even surpasses the earlier robot record held by an MIT robot.
The achievement is not just about speed but also about the remarkable precision and technology that make it possible. TOKUFASTbot utilizes Mitsubishi Electric’s signal-responsive servomotors and a state-of-the-art color-recognition AI algorithm, enabling it to perform 90-degree turns in just 0.9 milliseconds.
The primary function of TOKUFASTbot extends beyond its record-breaking ability. Designed to enhance motor manufacturing for everyday appliances, this robot exemplifies the practical applications of advanced robotics technology.
China’s Robotics News
Engineers at Ex-Robots in Dalian, China, are pushing the boundaries of humanoid robotics by developing robots capable of displaying facial expressions and emotions.
These robots are constructed using silicone for a more lifelike appearance and are programmed with algorithms to recognize and express human emotions. The company’s multi-modal AI can process various signals such as video, text, sound, and touch, allowing the robots to react appropriately to their environment.
Currently, Ex-Robots’ humanoid robots are primarily showcased in museums, but their potential applications are vast. For instance, they can do psychological counseling and mental health treatments, providing emotional interaction and support to patients.
China continues to surprise everyone with its progress in making humanoid robots for different industries.
Tesla Reveals Optimus Bots Working Autonomously
Tesla has revealed it has two Optimus bots working autonomously on its factory floor. In a recent post on X, the official Tesla shared a lengthy list of what it had achieved under Elon Musk’s leadership since 2018
The very final item on the list, from this year, is: “Deployed two Optimus bots performing tasks in the factory autonomously.” However, the specific details are not available yet. A recent video showed one of the robots sorting out battery cells. It takes a stroll around the office, much to the amazement of human workers.
Elon Musk has indicated that Optimus could perform factory roles by the end of this year and might go on sale as early as 2025. He believes that Tesla has a good position to achieve volume production of humanoid robots. According to Musk, the potential market for these robots could eventually surpass that of Tesla’s cars.
