On October 31, 2024, Meta announced significant advancements in embodied AI, focusing on enhancing robots' ability to touch and feel. Through collaborations with GelSight and Wonik Robotics, Meta aims to commercialize a new suite of tactile sensors that will enable AI to interpret and interact with the physical world more effectively.
The centerpiece of this initiative is the Meta Digit 360, a fingertip-shaped tactile sensor designed to capture touch data with human-level precision. Manufactured by GelSight, this sensor features 18 sensing capabilities that can detect minute deformations and register forces as small as 1 millinewton, marking a notable advancement in robotic perception.
Meta also unveiled the Meta Digit Plexus, a platform that integrates tactile sensors with robotic control systems, mimicking the nuanced feedback of human touch. This technology aims to enhance robots' adaptability in real-time interactions with objects, improving their ability to perform delicate tasks.
In partnership with Wonik Robotics, Meta plans to incorporate these technologies into the next generation of the Allegro Hand, a robotic hand equipped with tactile sensors based on Digit Plexus, set for release next year. This development is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of robots in healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
Additionally, Meta introduced the PARTNR benchmark, a framework for evaluating robots' planning and reasoning in collaborative settings. This benchmark will assess AI models across 100,000 tasks, facilitating the development of robots that can work alongside humans safely and efficiently.
Meta's commitment to tactile sensing represents a broader vision of creating AI agents that can engage in human-like interactions with the physical environment. These innovations could revolutionize sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and consumer experiences, paving the way for more responsive and capable robots.