Smarter Robot Bodies
Throughout history, humans have used tools and machines to reduce the burden of physical labour. Robots are increasingly able to act independently in complex and dynamic environments but advanced machines with basic hardware only go so far; to reap the benefits of smarter machines, we need smarter bodies.
Core beliefs
The core beliefs that underpin this opportunity space:
A world where robots free humanity from physical labour is not only possible → it is imperative if we wish to boost longevity and prosperity.
Advances in sensing and computation are improving robot brains, but that alone won’t enable ubiquitous robotics → limitations of robot bodies will soon be the critical obstacle.
Progress in AI, control, materials, and manufacturing opens up previously inaccessible design spaces → we can exploit these to build robots that approach or even exceed the capabilities of living bodies.
Observations
Some signposts as to why we see this area as important, underserved, and ripe.
Programme spotlight: Robot Dexterity
The need to improve robot dexterity comes at a critical time: the proportion of the world’s population aged 65+ is set to triple by 2100, while labour deficits for physically demanding work are set to increase.
Breakthroughs in AI are transforming robotic abilities but the development of robot bodies hasn’t kept pace with staggering advances in computation. Robots have the potential to ease labour shortages and boost prosperity but to do so, we must close the gap between what robots and humans can handle.
We’re funding cutting-edge research across robotic hardware and advanced simulation to demonstrate a paradigm-shift in robotic abilities. Backed by £57m, this programme aims to transform robotic capabilities and unlock a step change in human productivity.
This programme is currently closed for applications.
Seed spotlight
We've announced our first eight opportunity seed Creators — click below to see what they're working on.
Meet the team
Jenny Read is a visual neuroscientist, previously trained in theoretical astrophysics. Her work focuses on how we can build smarter bodies for robots through new modes of sensing, transmission of sensory information, and actuation through hardware advances. Jenny joined ARIA from her role as Professor of Vision Science at Newcastle University.
"Breakthroughs in AI are poised to make robots far more flexible and capable of helping with the dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks that humans don’t want to do. But robotic bodies are lagging behind. This programme aims to catalyse advances in robot bodies, ultimately enabling them to handle objects with the skill and dexterity that humans do."
Meet the team
Radhika has fifteen years' experience in the robotics sector and is passionate about entrepreneurship, laboratory automation, and sustainability. She describes herself as working between engineering and user perspectives, a position borne out of her previous roles at Ocado Technology and Shadow Robot, where she worked for several years in robotics research and business solutions. Radhika holds a PhD in robotics for healthcare from the University of Hertfordshire.
Meet the team
Paul joined ARIA from a project management role at a global market research company. He previously worked on delivering the COVID-19 vaccination deployment programme. Paul holds an MSc in Environmental Technology from Imperial College London and a BSc in Geography from the University of Exeter. Paul supports ARIA as an Operating Partner from Pace.
Our other opportunity spaces
Our opportunity spaces are designed as an open invitation for researchers from across disciplines and institutions to learn with us and contribute – a variety of perspectives are just what we need to change what’s possible.