Luleå scientists develop human-like robots • “They will be everywhere”
Humanoid robots are no longer just science fiction.
Researchers at Luleå University of Technology work with AI systems that allow human-like robots to navigate in the environment and make their own decisions.
“In one to two years, they will be everywhere,” says George Nikolakopoulos, professor of robotics and artificial intelligence at Luleå University of Technology.
At present, the robots still require human programming, but the researchers see rapid development ahead of them. At Luleå University of Technology, autonomous systems have long been studied for, among other things, robot dogs and drones.
Now the researchers in Luleå, among the first in Europe, are aiming to produce humanoids – robots that are more reminiscent of people and can handle difficult terrain, while at the same time we can wear things and use tools and also can be talked to.
The hope is that humanoid robots will be able to help in manufacturing, care and the industrial sector and thus relieve people in demanding or dangerous work environments.
According to the researchers in Luleå, AI technology has taken major steps, and new innovations are expected to emerge at a rapid pace.
Risks and future
At the same time, the rapid development asks questions about ethics and uses. Some see risks that technology could be abused.
– It depends on us people how we use the tool. I hope that no bad examples get attached, says Professor George Nikolakopoulos,
A humanoid robot may in the future perform tasks in the field of care. Already today, the robot in Luleå will willingly respond to whatever it wants to devote to:
– I will help with household tasks and personal care for the elderly and people with disabilities, says the humanoid robot.