Combining AI and Robotics
Samsung Electronics is focusing on the development of humanoids powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and robot technology.
Sebastian Seung, vice president of Samsung Research recently said via Samsung Newsroom that he is studying an artificial neural network that imitates the human eye and optic nerve structure, Samsung Electronics said on Sept. 30. Samsung Research is a leading research and development organization in the company’s device sector, which includes TVs, home appliances and mobile phones. Sebastian Seung joined Samsung in June last year after teaching as a professor at Princeton University in the United States.
"Unlike past systems, deep learning is a form in which robots acquire their cognitive abilities while learning based on data," Seung said. "We are studying a variety of applications based on artificial neural networks and deep learning, because robots will become able to do more sophisticated tasks than today."
However, Seung predicted that after 20 years from now, the world will face an era of robot popularization where robots will be able to completely replace humans as kitchen maids. "20 to 30 years later, robots will comprehensively change housework and office and factory work that humans are now performing, just as the smartphone revolution brought a big change to our lives," Seung said. "Robots sell be common around us like billions of smartphones sell every year."
"It's hard to say exactly whether an AI-powered robot that will handle autonomous driving or household chores will be released next year or later. One obvious point is that Samsung is at the center of this revolution and do its utmost in order to make the revolution happen earlier," Seung added.
Samsung Electronics operates seven AI centers around the world. They are focusing on studying computer visions, language analysis processing, data analysis and inference, robotics moves and driving and machine learning.
Samsung Electronics plans to expand its AI technology “Bixby” for smartphones to all of its products. The company is also developing an AI speaker that will control all Samsung products through AI.