Standard Bots, led by CEO Evan Beard, is transforming the robotics industry by integrating AI into robotic arms, making them more affordable and user-friendly while aiming to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. The company has developed a novel approach that allows users to demonstrate tasks for the robots to learn, addressing the limitations of traditional programming and paving the way for automation across various sectors.
In the episode of New York Next, the focus is on Standard Bots, a company led by founder and CEO Evan Beard, which is revolutionizing the robotics industry by integrating artificial intelligence into robotic arms. Beard discusses the company’s mission to bring manufacturing back to the United States by creating more affordable and user-friendly robots. He emphasizes that the majority of robots are currently manufactured overseas, and by producing them domestically, Standard Bots aims to create jobs, enhance national security, and reduce environmental impact.
Standard Bots is addressing the limitations of traditional robots, which are often programmed using complex computer code that struggles with variability in tasks. The company has developed a new approach that allows users to demonstrate tasks to the robotic arm using a handheld device. This device records the demonstration and trains the AI model to replicate the task, making programming significantly easier and more accessible. Beard believes that this innovation will enable automation in various sectors, including manufacturing, food service, and household chores.
Randy Howe, a key figure in the New York robotics network, highlights the importance of recent advancements in AI technology that have made Standard Bots’ innovations possible. He explains that while AI language models like ChatGPT have thrived on vast amounts of text data, robotics requires the creation of motion data to train AI effectively. Standard Bots is pioneering this effort by building the necessary datasets and training models to enable their robots to perform a wide range of tasks.
The conversation also touches on public perceptions of robotics, particularly the fascination with humanoid robots. Beard acknowledges that while humanoid robots capture the imagination, they are often more expensive and less practical for immediate market needs. Instead, Standard Bots focuses on developing a single robotic arm that can be trained for various tasks, which they believe will lead to faster market entry and a more significant impact on automation.
Overall, Standard Bots is positioned as a leader in the robotics field by leveraging AI to create versatile and easy-to-use robotic arms. Their commitment to American manufacturing and job creation, combined with innovative programming methods, sets them apart from existing robotic companies. As they continue to develop their technology, the potential for robots to take on everyday tasks in homes and industries becomes increasingly feasible.