The Boston Dynamics AI Institute has officially begun operations, according to Hyundai Motor Group and Boston Dynamics. Making fundamental advancements in robotics, intelligent machines, and artificial intelligence (AI) is the organization’s top priority.
The new Institute, which will be run by Marc Raibert, the founder of Boston Dynamics, receives an initial investment of over $400 million from Hyundai and Boston Dynamics.
The Boston Dynamics AI Institute aims to create the next generation of intelligent machines by utilising a pool of elite talent in AI, robotics, machine learning, software, and engineering.
The Institute will work in four core technical areas: cognitive AI, athletic AI, organic hardware design, as well as ethics and policy, combining the best aspects of university research labs and corporate development labs.
According to Marc Raibert, executive director of Boston Dynamics AI Institute, “our mission is to develop future generations of sophisticated robots and intelligent machines that are smarter, more agile, perceptive, and safer than anything that exists today.”
“The unique structure of the Institute – top talent focused on fundamental solutions with sustained funding and excellent technical support – will help us create robots that are easier to use, more productive, able to perform a wider variety of tasks, and that are safer working with people,” he added.
Recall that in 2020, Hyundai acquired Boston Dynamics, which paved the way for the use of robot service dogs in Kia and Hyundai factories. The robot service dog now has full colour vision and appears to dance more proficiently than before, but its main focus is on factory safety.
Hyundai displayed intelligent robots at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year. Hyundai’s Plug & Drive (PnD) robot platform was on display with the robots. The modules can be used to make small objects mobile by attaching to them. The PnD can move on its own thanks to LiDAR and a camera.