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@EnsRationis
11/ As a result, in 2023, we co-authored and defended a research paper on robotic economic autonomy with a researcher from MIT Media Lab.
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Paper link:
Gaka-chu: a self-employed autonomous robot artist – MIT Media Lab
2/11
@EnsRationis
12/ Another experiment in robotic arm programming—we launched a robotic café in Saint Petersburg, where the only human worker was the barista, while a robotic manipulator took on the role of an assistant, responsible for baking waffles.
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@EnsRationis
13/ One of the most interesting challenges was getting the wooden stick to pierce exactly through the center of the waffle. To solve this, we had to machine a custom cone-shaped guide, using an orbital docking principle to ensure perfect alignment.
It was a fun and challenging experience!
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1890449256491667458/pu/vid/avc1/1280x720/u7UfoHO-w2txkd0q.mp4
4/11
@EnsRationis
14/ A telescope may not seem like an obvious robot, but it’s an incredible example of autonomy and Web3 integration!
The best place in the world for stargazing is in Chile, but for most people, that’s just too far. Astronomy enthusiasts often save for years just to spend a week under the Atacama Desert sky.
We built a service that transformed real astronomical photos into NFT postcards.
Between 2021 and 2022, anyone in the world could visit our dApp, where the telescope displayed a list of notable celestial objects currently visible. By sending a transaction, the system automatically processed the request—without any human involvement.
Within five minutes, you could find your $20 astrophotography NFT in your crypto wallet—captured and minted just for you by a robot!
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5/11
@EnsRationis
15/ And finally, one last experiment worth discussing in the context of robotic autonomy.
We purchased one of the first Boston Dynamics robot dogs and developed an educational course that provided remote access to the robot for hands-on learning.
6/11
@EnsRationis
16/ Today, we want to apply this experience to working with humanoid robots, but our main focus as a team is to explore the possibilities of developing user applications for economically autonomous humanoid robots.
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1890450718068228096/pu/vid/avc1/1280x720/fGAPlJbqV-LQIId-.mp4
7/11
@EnsRationis
17/ And with that in mind, let’s move on to the second part of the lecture - an overview of the 2025 robot market!
8/11
@EnsRationis
18/ Back in 2017, not a single roboticist would have believed this! I traveled to top universities across Europe and Asia, and almost every researcher I spoke with was extremely skeptical about any form of robot autonomy beyond conveyor lines.
And now - just look at the slide! In 2025, we already have an entire lineup of real-world cases to discuss!
9/11
@EnsRationis
19/ I've selected the three most recognizable humanoid robots that the wider audience will likely get familiar with in 2025. But I want to draw your attention to a few details that most casual viewers would probably overlook.
10/11
@EnsRationis
20/ The most affordable humanoid robot in the world today is the Unitree G1. We know this for sure - because we received one in December 2024!
You’ve probably already seen several posts from @vitl2907 and me about our first experiences working with Unitree:
The First Two Weeks of Working with the Unitree G1 Humanoid Robot / Robonomics Network
11/11
@EnsRationis
21/ Let's watch the Unitree G1 presentation video. Here are a few key details to pay attention to:
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Watch the first 10 seconds carefully - see how the robot stands up. This will be important when we later compare it to the Atlas humanoid.
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A humanoid robot is not a human! Despite its form, the manufacturer immediately shows that it moves in ways that are completely unnatural for human anatomy. Keep this in mind - traditional human body limitations don’t necessarily apply to humanoid robots.
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The impact test & grass test - these check the robot’s stability while walking. Until the 2020s, only Boston Dynamics robots could remain standing in such conditions.
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The "egg test" got a Unitree-style twist - instead of demonstrating tactile sensitivity, they jokingly replaced it with a walnut-cracking test. It’s a fun detail, but keep in mind that tactile hands cost extra. By default, most humanoids will have grippers without precise pressure control - but at least they can take a hit with a hammer and keep working! That’s exactly what the manufacturer is hinting at.
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And yes, the assembly looks sleek and chill, but don’t be fooled - it’s still heavy! Right now, the team transports it to events in a wheelchair - and they say it’s actually pretty convenient!
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1890457071293747200/pu/vid/avc1/1280x720/xlgY9rW039hL_9jE.mp4
To post tweets in this format, more info here: https://www.thecoli.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-for-posting-the-coli-megathread.984734/post-52211196