Somatic: Foreshadowing Virtual Reality Value
March 6, 2020
“This Bathroom-Cleaning Robot Cleans Up after You Use the Loo and Is Cost-Efficient” points to a smart robot designed to do what “No Time for Sergeants” demanded:
The Somatic bathroom cleaning robotics company performs a task some find unpleasant.
What makes the Somatic approach interesting, however, is its approach to training the smart software. The write up says:
The robot is trained using virtual reality (VR) simulation of the restroom to show the robot what it has to do, such as where to spray chemicals and clean and where to vacuum and blow-dry etc. The Somatic team jokingly refers to this activity as “the worst video game, ever.” The robot then uses in-built sensors like lidar to move around the actual bathroom as it abides by the instructions picked up from the VR model.
Using virtual reality to train a robot is a useful and forward-looking use of a technology which is associated with video games and niche applications. Automating training by connecting digital realities with smart software has significant implications. Many of these are positive. The article includes a link to the robot which will have time for sergeants.
Stephen E Arnold, March 6, 2020
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