The acquisition will bring deep and vision learning applications to Boston Dynamics family of robots. (Image credit: Boston Dynamics via YouTube)
Boston Dynamics has announced their acquisition of deep-learning vision company Kinema Systems- a Menlo Park (California) group that specializes in developing AI for industrial robotic arms. More specifically, they provide those robotic arms with 3D vision, allowing them to locate and move parts and boxes. The system can even identify diverse products and different sized boxes even though they may not be stacked on a level surface.
Those capabilities are evident in Boston Dynamic’s Pick System and Handle Robot I wrote about the other day, which is capable of mixed SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) boxes from pallets onto conveyors or stacked neatly on the pallets themselves. Of course, this new development will be a boon for the logistics, retail, and manufacturing industries looking for increased efficiency.
According to Boston Dynamics’ CEO Marc Raibert, “Bringing the Kinema team into Boston Dynamics expands our perception and learning capabilities while the Pick product accelerates our entry into the logistics market. Beyond being a powerful tool for industrial robotic arms, Kinema technology will help our mobile manipulation robots tackle a wide variety of complex real-world tasks.”
The press release outlines Boston Dynamics current plans for both robotic platforms, stating they will continue to develop Handle, which will eventually be commercialized along with their Spot Mini, while the Pick system is currently available for purchase with support for all interested parties.
Kinema Systems is currently setting up an office for Boston Dynamics in Silicon Valley, with plans on expanding their team at their Bay area location. They also plan to continue to research and develop their deep-learning 3D vision system, and eventually bring it to Boston Dynamics’ family of robots.
Have a story tip? Message me at: cabe(at)element14(dot)com
