Standard Bots uses artificial intelligence to build and train robots to think for themselves, potentially bringing more manufacturing jobs to the United States in the process.
The Long Island-based company was an early adopter of AI in robotics and was one of the first to apply AI for commercial purposes rather than conducting academic research.
“We're creating tools that allow anyone to use robots for business by showing them what they want them to do through a hand-held training device,” said Evan, founder and CEO. Beard told the Post.
AI allows robots to learn tasks (like pouring soda into a cup) from humans by capturing and mirroring movements with a camera instead of writing long lines of code. Unlike traditional autonomous robots that perform mechanical movements, AI-powered robots “understand” and adapt to their environments.
For example, the Standard Bots AI robot can check if a soda can has been moved and pick it up from its new location.
“ChatGPT gave AI a language, and robotics gave AI a body.” new york robot networka nonprofit organization promoting robotics in New York City. “Over the past 30 years, robotics has not advanced as rapidly as software… but now, the intersection of AI and robotics is opening new frontiers where robots can learn intelligently. [They are] They can understand their environment and reason through it. Standard Bots is leading the commercialization of AI and robotics at the forefront. ”
In practical terms, Beard believes this means robots could become smart enough to do manufacturing jobs or wash dishes in restaurants within the next five years.
The focus on real-world applications is one reason why companies like Amazon and Samsung have invested $63 million. standard bot This summer.
In contrast to the dystopian fear that robots will take away human jobs, Beard says the first applications will be to help companies that are already automating manufacturing to do so more efficiently and affordably. said. That should make it even more attractive for companies to move their supply chains back to the United States.
“If we can automate a lot of our production, we can actually bring jobs back to this country and be able to compete on price,” Beard explained. “We're seeing now from both presidential candidates the importance of having manufacturing here…It can improve national security. It's better for the environment. [and] Transportation and food costs are reduced. ”
Having the backing of a major company is a dramatic improvement from 2017, when Beard, 37, and his co-founders started tinkering with robots in their apartment. But they struggled to raise capital, and Mr Beard poured the last of his personal savings into Standardbot before the first external injection of funding came just days before the 2020 coronavirus lockdown.
One reason robotics is less developed than other software technologies is because it is “multidisciplinary.”
But Beard's background (he studied computer science at Duke University and was accepted into Y Combinator, the exclusive incubator for starting software companies) has helped bridge the gap for integrating software and hardware. It's something to fill.
“We need people who are good at electronics, people who are good at hardware, people who are good at manufacturing, people who are good at software. There are so many different disciplines that need to come together,” Beard said. “That would be really tough.”
After raising a seed round, Beard moved with his children and wife to Glen Cove, Long Island, where he was able to open an 8,500-square-foot factory (with a second 13,000-square-foot factory on Long Island to open early next year). (scheduled to open). 2020.
In the coming months, Standardbot will be ready to sell its new AI robot “Arm” – a product Beard believes is much more efficient than creating a fully humanoid robot – and will also make its film debut. is.
Beard and his bots will be in theaters on Christmas Day in A24's “Babygirl,” starring Nicole Kidman as the CEO of a robot company. Beard only appears in one scene, but his robotics takes center stage. It was the New York Robotics Network that brought Beard and New York-based A24 together.
And Beard credits New York City with helping him get lucky.
In Standard Bot's early days, he invited venture capitalists and engineers to his apartment in the city to demonstrate his robotics, which he eventually attracted some investors to do.
“We have the talent, we have the engineers, we have the investors… there's a whole ecosystem in New York City,” Beard said. “It’s important to be near a hub like that…it creates a lot of coincidences.”
This article is part of a new editorial series called NYNext, which focuses on innovation across various industries in New York City and the people leading the way.
