Dynamic Object Language Labs announced the opening of the L.A.I.R., Laboratory for Affective and Independent Robotics. Long term experiments involving robots with differing capabilities and sizes will inhabit this space where they can interact with each other and explore how to interact with objects in the laboratory.

Today's robots exhibit very little autonomy. They perform human programmed repetitive tasks, which involve little or no decision-making skills on the part of the robot. Many robots are actually teleoperated. Additionally, the cost of making robots perform a useful function is a huge barrier to their adoption. Robots should not be programmed to, for example, manipulate objects, they should learn how to be useful. They should be driven by an "intrinsic motivation" to learn and a desire to collaborate.

The LAIR is DOLL’s first step in paving the way towards more autonomous robots.  The goal is for robots to learn over long periods of time, in a purpose built laboratory. DOLL is in talks to establish collaborative relationships, which will be announced at a later date.

For more information, visit https://www.dollabs.com.