Researchers working on the COSPAL project have developed a new robotic AI that they claim is the most advanced of its kind.

They have created a robot that, using both learning neural AI techniques and traditional rules-based AI, can be trained like a small child or puppy.

The robot has already been able to figure out simple sorting tasks on its own. COSPAL aims to transform this AI into something that can be integrated with a car to adjust to unforeseen driving conditions.

Don’t worry though, robots are not quite ready to take over just yet. Michael Felsberg, a researcher at COSPAL, says that we probably won’t see adult-level AI based on this system in our lifetimes. It will be interesting to see if Felsberg is right, or if the recent prediction by Ray Kurzweil holds up. [via Engadget]

Researchers at Plymouth University will soon begin experiments to find out if a humanoid baby robot, called iCub, can be taught to talk.

Over the next four years, robotics experts and language development specialists will work together to help iCub “grow up.” Some typical experiments include inserting objects of various shapes into corresponding holes in a box, serializing nested cups, and stacking wooden blocks. iCub will also be asked to name objects and actions such as “robot puts stick on cube.”

The project is believed to be the first of its kind in the world. It aims to develop humanoid robots which can learn, think, and talk. Read more »