Robot Learns to Handle Large Objects with Human-Like Dexterity

Scientists from the Toyota Research Institute have trained a robot named Punyo to handle large objects using its entire body, similar to humans. The robot relies on soft, pressure-sensing skin and joint sensors for feedback, and requires minimal learning through example-guided reinforcement learning. Punyo successfully moved a large water jug onto its shoulder and picked up a large box, outperforming a rigid version of the robot by 206%. The researchers used a method called example-guided reinforcement learning, which allowed the robot to practice and figure out how to do the tasks on its own after just one demonstration.