If a South Korean conglomerate were to present a $400 million check to one of the leading global developers of robots, significant developments would unfold. This precise scenario is currently transpiring in Kendall Square, where Boston Dynamics, founded by the esteemed Marc Raibert, known for its innovative humanoid and canine-like robots, is undergoing a substantial expansion. Boston Dynamics now occupies two floors in a high-rise building, with Raibert overseeing the renovation of two additional floors to establish the new Boston Dynamics AI Institute.
This initiative, positioned at the intersection of robotics and cutting-edge AI technology, holds the promise of evolving into a prominent global innovation center, cementing Boston’s status as a frontrunner in robotics and attracting top-tier talent to the region. Raibert, a staunch advocate for in-person collaboration, aims to surpass the initial funding benchmarks set by predecessors such as the Whitehead Institute and Broad Institute, which played pivotal roles in the early phases of the biotech revolution.
The aspirations for Boston Dynamics AI have been set exceptionally high. With the backing of Hyundai, a major South Korean automotive powerhouse, this nonprofit research center is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of robotics and artificial intelligence. Since its announcement in August 2022, Raibert has successfully recruited 150 individuals and is actively in the process of hiring an additional 200 employees.
Raibert has articulated that the institute’s core focus lies in addressing substantial and intricate challenges rather than incremental ones. The primary goal is not merely to enhance robots’ reliability by a marginal 5% or reduce production costs but to tackle significant hurdles. The institute aspires to emulate the success of renowned research facilities like the one in New Jersey, which pioneered the development of technologies such as mosfets, light technologies, and solar cells.
“We aim to establish ourselves as the Bell Labs of automation and artificial intelligence by fostering collaboration among talented individuals,” Raibert emphasized.
It is essential to distinguish the Boston Dynamics AI Institute from Boston Dynamics, the Waltham-based company founded by Raibert in 1992 and later acquired by Hyundai in 2020. While Raibert currently serves as the chairman, he is slated to take on the role of CEO in 2020.
During a recent visit to the institution’s offices, a complimentary breakfast was provided, creating a relaxed ambiance that encouraged employee engagement. Among the notable attractions were the tall, slender copper walking drones developed by Raibert during his tenure as a professor at MIT and Carnegie Mellon in the early 1980s.
Sporting his trademark Hawaiian shirt, a fur coat, and well-worn jeans, Raibert led a tour of the facility, showcasing a diverse array of robots beyond those created by Boston Dynamics. Notably, a bright yellow Boston Dynamics “Spot” robot with elongated arms capable of sketching visitors’ faces after capturing their images with a dry-erase marker was on display. In another section, employees were engaged in programming robots to repair a dozen children’s bicycles.
Raibert highlighted several key research areas, including the concept of “watch, comprehend, execute,” where robots observe and understand actions before replicating them, eliminating the need for reprogramming for each new task.
Another critical focus area is enhancing robots’ dexterity, a longstanding challenge in the field of robotics. Despite decades of efforts, robots still struggle to match the dexterity exhibited by humans or animals in handling objects.
Furthermore, Raibert stressed the significance of “physical AI,” involving the integration of drones with advanced AI software to enhance their spatial awareness and responsiveness to environmental stimuli.
At Boston Dynamics, Raibert gained recognition for developing robots capable of performing a myriad of tasks, from opening doors to executing backflips and dance moves. He perceives AI as a transformative tool that can augment machines’ cognitive capabilities, enabling them to interact more intelligently with their surroundings.
These advanced AI models empower machines to identify objects like red apples on countertops using visual data, pick them up, and manipulate them with precision. Understanding factors such as pressure sensitivity, weight distribution, and surface friction is crucial for robots to effectively handle objects.
While Hyundai focuses on the development of self-driving cars and innovative mobility solutions, the technologies emerging from the university are poised to benefit the company. However, Raibert is adamant that the institute is not merely a product development arm for the South Korean conglomerate.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to non-commercial research, prioritizing long-term studies,” Raibert affirmed.
The recruitment efforts for the university have attracted top talent, including industry experts like Lael Odhner from RightHand Robotics and Kate Darling, a specialist in the ethical implications of AI and robotics. Tom Ryden of Mass Robotics commended the institute’s recruitment strategies, foreseeing a positive impact on the industry ecosystem.
With eleven visiting professors engaged in various projects and collaborations with institutions like MIT, the Boston Dynamics AI Institute is poised to drive innovation in the realms of robotics and AI. A German branch of the university, spearheaded by Marco Hutter from ETH Zurich, is also in the pipeline, offering opportunities for researchers in AI software development.
While Boston Dynamics has garnered global attention through captivating YouTube videos showcasing their robots’ capabilities, the AI Institute has yet to launch its own channel. Raibert expressed optimism about showcasing their groundbreaking work through video content in the near future.
