OpenMind is developing a layer of software, OM1, which acts as Operating system for the next generation of humanoid robotsand yesterday took a new step with the presentation of a new protocol called Fabric that allows robots to verify identity and share context and information with others of its species.
Many companies focus on the construction of robots or hardware components that allow them to move, hold objects or interact with the world around them. OpenMind, a specialized firm based in Silicon Valley, considered the Android of Robotics Because its software is open and does not depend on hardware, focuses on internal development.
Jan Liphardt, a professor at Stanford and founder of OpenMind, explained that humanoids and other robots have been doing for decades and performing repetitive tasks. But now that humanoids are being developed for use cases that require more interactions between humans and machines, such as having a humanoid at home, They need a new operating system that thinks more as a human.
“Suddenly, a world opens where machines can interact with humans in ways never seen before”Said Liphardt. “We firmly believe that it is not just about humans, but we consider ourselves a company that is a collaboration between machines and humans”.
FABRIC de OpenMind
The new OpenMind protocol allows robots to verify identity and share context and information with other robots. Unlike humans, machines can learn almost instantly, said Liphardt, which means giving them a better way to connect with other robots will allow them train more easily and absorb new information.
Liphardt set the example of languages and how robots could connect to each other and share data on how to speak different languages, which would help them interact better with more people without having to learn each language directly from a human. “Humans take for granted that we can interact with any other human being on earth”says the researcher. «We have built a great infrastructure around us that allows us to trust other people, call them, send them messages, interact, coordinate and do things together. The machines, of course, will not be the exception«.
The new era of robotics is underway and OpenMind’s great goal is to bring its technology to homes. To do this, he recently raised 20 million dollars in a financing round led by Pantera Capital, with the participation of Ribbit, Coinbase Ventures and Pebblebed, among other strategic investors.
“The most important thing for us is to launch robots and receive feedback”Said Liphardt. «Our goal as a company is to perform as many tests as possible to quickly identify the most interesting opportunities where The abilities of current robots are optimally adjusted to what humans are looking for«.
