Toyota has released a video that demonstrates a robot wiping down tables and other surfaces. It does all of that while taking a video of itself. The company explains, “most robots are programmed to react to the objects and geometry in front of them.”

Robots aren’t capable of differentiating between an actual object and its reflection. Sometimes simple things such as a drinking glass or a shiny toaster could mess up with robots meant for performing homely chores, and prevent them from working properly. 

New method to train robots

Toyota claims to have overcome this issue by developing a new training method that lets robots “perceive the 3D geometry of the scene while also detecting objects and surfaces.”

The video shows the company’s robot seeing the 3D geometry of different substances in a household, enabling it to recognize all kinds of surfaces that can be wiped such as tables and counters. The robot can even detect transparent glass and move them aside.

“Training robots to understand how to operate in home environments poses special challenges because of the diversity and complexity of our homes where small tasks can add up to big challenges,” said Max Bajracharya, vice president of robotics at TRI.

Robots could aid aging societies

Bajracharya’s team wants to develop robotic capabilities that can scale up human abilities, allowing machines to aid people in an aging society. The new training method could be a huge step towards achieving that goal.

Robots might soon become more relevant in society. For instance, Amazon has announced that it is testing new robots that will ensure the safety of employees in its warehouses. The company has named these robots after Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie. The move was announced after a study revealed that Amazon warehouse employees get hurt more often than not.

While the idea of robots sounds promising, they will only be helpful if they reduce the work for humans workers and not replace them completely.