Mirror surfaces seemingly confuse robots, and this is a problem that companies designing machines for household chores have to overcome. Toyota has developed a solution to the problem and posted a video showing his robot cleaning tables and other mirror surfaces. And a video is also made, in the meantime.
As the company explains, “most robots are programmed to react to objects and shapes in front of them” and are unable to distinguish between a real object and its reflection in a mirror (or reflective surface) . A glass or a shiny toaster would be enough to prevent the robots from carrying out their tasks correctly. Toyota has developed a new training method that allows robots to "perceive the 3D geometry of the scene while detecting objects and surfaces."
A robot that knows where to put his hands ... his co ... what he has, come on
In the video, you will see Toyota's robot observing the shapes of various elements in a house, recognizing all kinds of washable and mirrored surfaces, such as tables and counters. It has become so precise that it can detect the clear glasses and put them aside.
Max Bajracharya, vice president of robotics at Toyota, said: “Training robots to understand how to operate in home environments poses special challenges. Our homes are complex and diverse, and even small tasks can become big challenges."
Bajracharya's team aims to develop robotic capabilities to amplify human capabilities, so that machines can help people in an aging society (I don't know why, but Japan comes to mind). This development is a big step towards achieving that goal.
