The Future of Robotics: Beyond R2-D and C-3PO

Summary

In this Q&A session, Brett Kenned, a roboticist from Jet Propulsion Laboratory discusses his thoughts on the BB-8 droid, R2-D, and C-3PO. He explains that while these characters have their strengths and are great from a storytelling perspective, it’s not fair to compare them to real-life robots. He emphasizes the importance of viewing robots as problem-solving solutions to real-world issues.

Introduction
What are your thoughts on the BB-8 droid’s design?
Do you think R2-D is still relevant today?
What can be learned from C-3PO?
How close are we to having robots like C-3PO?
What advancements are you most excited about in the field of robotics?
Where do you see the future of robotics heading?
Conclusion

Introduction

Brett Kenned, a seasoned roboticist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, shares his thoughts on the state of robotics today and offers insights into where he sees the industry heading in the future. In this Q&A, he offers an honest look into his field and explains what people often get wrong about robots.

What are your thoughts on the BB-8 droid’s design?

According to Kenned, the BB-8 droid is a great example of how tough it can be to design a robot. The physics of the droid’s design can be difficult to manage. For example, if the robot has only one wheel, it can get stuck easily, and if it doesn’t have enough height, it may not work at all. While the design looks cool, it may not be practical for most real-world environments.

Do you think R2-D is still relevant today?

Kenned believes that R2-D is still relevant today, particularly when it comes to its role as an engineered droid designed to fix things. While technology has improved since the creation of R2-D, many of its functions are still perfectly possible with current technology. Even when the filmmakers were creating the scenes in which R2-D appeared, they had to use a semi-robotic system to pull it off. R2-D remains a fascinating droid and an inspiration for future robotic designs.

What can be learned from C-3PO?

C-3PO’s most significant teaching can be summed up in its humanoid form. Kenned believes that if they could marry the capabilities of humanoid systems with the technology we have today, we could create robots as impressive as C-3PO or even better. For example, if we could improve the flexibility of the spine, which humanoids excel at, we could create robots that could perform tasks in environments that are challenging for other robots.

How close are we to having robots like C-3PO?

As for how close we are to having robots like C-3PO, it’s hard to say. Kenned notes that there are many humanoid systems today that can outperform C-3PO in specific tasks. However, currently, there is no single robot design that can perform all of C-3PO’s tasks. Kenned emphasizes that robots that can perform specific tasks will be more prevalent in the future, rather than a jack of all trades robot like C-3PO.

What advancements are you most excited about in the field of robotics?

Kenned is optimistic about the future of robotics, and he’s most excited about the advancements in AI and machine learning. With AI, robots could learn on their own, make decisions autonomously, and adapt to different scenarios. These advancements could mean robots that could assist us in solving real-world problems like climate change and space exploration.

Where do you see the future of robotics heading?

Kenned believes that the future of robotics will be in practical applications. Robots that address real-world issues like healthcare or everyday conveniences will have the most significant impact on society. It will be essential to design robots that are user-friendly and easy to operate, such as the home appliances we use today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bret Kenned is an expert in his field and offers brilliant insights into the robotic world’s future. Looking beyond the popular droids like R2-D and C-3PO, Kenned emphasizes the importance of designing robots that are practical and can solve real-world issues. The future of robotics looks very promising with advancements in AI and machine learning, which Kenned believes will drive massive changes in the industry.