Recent research published in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence by researchers at the University of Edinburgh suggests that an AI-powered robot capable of preparing coffee in a busy kitchen could pave the way for the next generation of intelligent machines.
Researchers state that by integrating advanced AI, sensitive sensors, and precise motor skills, the robot can interact with its environment in a more human-like manner than ever before.
Robots may be able to perform duties that were previously limited to humans according to new technology created by a team from the University of Edinburgh.
Experts highlight that traditionally, robots have excelled in controlled environments such as factories but struggle in more dynamic and unpredictable settings like kitchens. This challenge arises from the fact that robots have historically depended on pre-programmed actions and are less capable of adapting to unforeseen situations.
However, the Edinburgh team has developed a robot that can adeptly interact with items and people in complex scenarios. Their innovation combines advancements in AI with delicate motor abilities, which had previously progressed separately.
The device, a robotic arm with seven movable joints, processes verbal instructions and assesses its surroundings before executing tasks. It scans the kitchen for a mug, learns to operate cabinet locks, and skillfully combines water and coffee in specific measurements, all while adjusting to unexpected disturbances in real-time.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded this significant study, with Ruaridh Mon-Williams, a Ph.D. candidate from Princeton University, MIT, and the University of Edinburgh, leading the project.
We are glimpsing a future where robots with increasingly advanced intelligence become commonplace. Human intelligence stems from the integration of reasoning, movement, and perception, yet AI and robotics have often advanced separately. Our work demonstrates the power of combining these approaches and underscores the growing need to discuss their societal implications.
— Ruaridh Mon-Williams, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh
Journal Reference:
Mon-Williams, R., et al. (2025) Embodied large language models enable robots to complete complex tasks in unpredictable environments. Nature Machine Intelligence. doi.org/10.1038/s42256-025-01005-x
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