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; to reap the benefits of smarter machines, we need smarter bodies.
What if we could create highly dexterous, general purpose robots to ease the labour shortage 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.
Core 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: Robot Dexterity
To build a programme within an opportunity space, our Programme Directors direct the review, selection, and funding of a portfolio of projects.
We’re funding 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.
Opportunity seeds
Outside the scope of programmes, with budgets of up to £500k, these opportunity seeds support ambitious research aligned to the Smarter Robot Bodies opportunity space.
From kangaroo-inspired robot locomotion to precise, dexterous, and versatile bioactuators, we're funding an array of projects across start ups, universities, and individuals with up to £500k each to maximise the chance of breakthroughs.
Miniaturised Multimodal Sensors Mimicking Skin Mechanosensation for AI-Enhanced Neurovascular Precision
Rujie Sun, University of Southampton
Shape Changing Origami Inspired Probe for Autonomous Bi-directional Navigation for Multimodal Inspection in the Colon
Thrishantha Nanayakkara, Imperial College London
Smarter Motors for Smarter Robots
Christopher Wall, Cardiology Devices
Linkage-leg Principles for ‘Better Than Wheels’ Functionality
Jim Usherwood, The Royal Veterinary College at Hawkshead
Developing and Modelling Flexible Robotic and Cobotic Arms
Andy Whyte + Chris Mangnall, Adaptive Machine Patterns
Roo-bot Energy-Efficient Robot Locomotion Inspired by Kangaroos
Christofer Clemente, University of the Sunshine Coast
MORPH: Muscular Operative Robotic Precision Handler
Pietro Valdastri, University of Leeds
JumpSTAR: Jumping with Mechanical Precision and Stability Through Adaptive Resilience
Chengxu Zhou, University College London
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