Video Friday is your weekly selection of awesome robotics videos, collected by your friends at IEEE Spectrum robotics. We also post a weekly calendar of upcoming robotics events for the next few months. Please send us your events for inclusion.

Humanoids 2024: 22–24 November 2024, NANCY, FRANCE

Enjoy today’s videos!

Just when I thought quadrupeds couldn’t impress me anymore...

[ Unitree Robotics ]

Researchers at Meta FAIR are releasing several new research artifacts that advance robotics and support our goal of reaching advanced machine intelligence (AMI). These include Meta Sparsh, the first general-purpose encoder for vision-based tactile sensing that works across many tactile sensors and many tasks; Meta Digit 360, an artificial fingertip-based tactile sensor that delivers detailed touch data with human-level precision and touch-sensing; and Meta Digit Plexus, a standardized platform for robotic sensor connections and interactions that enables seamless data collection, control and analysis over a single cable.

[ Meta ]

The first bimanual Torso created at Clone includes an actuated elbow, cervical spine (neck), and anthropomorphic shoulders with the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joints. The valve matrix fits compactly inside the ribcage. Bimanual manipulation training is in progress.

[ Clone Inc. ]

Equipped with a new behavior architecture, Nadia navigates and traverses many types of doors autonomously. Nadia also demonstrates robustness to failed grasps and door opening attempts by automatically retrying and continuing. We present the robot with pull and push doors, four types of opening mechanisms, and even spring-loaded door closers. A deep neural network and door plane estimator allow Nadia to identify and track the doors.

[ Paper preprint by authors from Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition ]

Thanks, Duncan!

In this study, we integrate the musculoskeletal humanoid Musashi with the wire-driven robot CubiX, capable of connecting to the environment, to form CubiXMusashi. This combination addresses the shortcomings of traditional musculoskeletal humanoids and enables movements beyond the capabilities of other humanoids. CubiXMusashi connects to the environment with wires and drives by winding them, successfully achieving movements such as pull-up, rising from a lying pose, and mid-air kicking, which are difficult for Musashi alone.

[ CubiXMusashi, JSK Robotics Laboratory, University of Tokyo ]

Thanks, Shintaro!

An old boardwalk seems like a nightmare for any robot with flat feet.

[ Agility Robotics ]

This paper presents a novel learning-based control framework that uses keyframing to incorporate high-level objectives in natural locomotion for legged robots. These high-level objectives are specified as a variable number of partial or complete pose targets that are spaced arbitrarily in time. Our proposed framework utilizes a multi-critic reinforcement learning algorithm to effectively handle the mixture of dense and sparse rewards. In the experiments, the multi-critic method significantly reduces the effort of hyperparameter tuning compared to the standard single-critic alternative. Moreover, the proposed transformer-based architecture enables robots to anticipate future goals, which results in quantitative improvements in their ability to reach their targets.

[ Disney Research paper ]

Human-like walking where that human is the stompiest human to ever human its way through Humanville.

[ Engineai ]

We present the first static-obstacle avoidance method for quadrotors using just an onboard, monocular event camera. Quadrotors are capable of fast and agile flight in cluttered environments when piloted manually, but vision-based autonomous flight in unknown environments is difficult in part due to the sensor limitations of traditional onboard cameras. Event cameras, however, promise nearly zero motion blur and high dynamic range, but produce a large volume of events under significant ego-motion and further lack a continuous-time sensor model in simulation, making direct sim-to-real transfer not possible.

[ Paper University of Pennsylvania and University of Zurich ]

Cross-embodiment imitation learning enables policies trained on specific embodiments to transfer across different robots, unlocking the potential for large-scale imitation learning that is both cost-effective and highly reusable. This paper presents LEGATO, a cross-embodiment imitation learning framework for visuomotor skill transfer across varied kinematic morphologies. We introduce a handheld gripper that unifies action and observation spaces, allowing tasks to be defined consistently across robots.

[ LEGATO ]

The 2024 Xi’an Marathon has kicked off! STAR1, the general-purpose humanoid robot from Robot Era, joins runners in this ancient yet modern city for an exciting start!

[ Robot Era ]

In robotics, there are valuable lessons for students and mentors alike. Watch how the CyberKnights, a FIRST robotics team champion sponsored by RTX, with the encouragement of their RTX mentor, faced challenges after a poor performance and scrapped its robot to build a new one in just nine days.

[ CyberKnights ]

In this special video, PAL Robotics takes you behind the scenes of our 20th-anniversary celebration, a memorable gathering with industry leaders and visionaries from across robotics and technology. From inspiring speeches to milestone highlights, the event was a testament to our journey and the incredible partnerships that have shaped our path.

[ PAL Robotics ]

Thanks, Rugilė!

A SpaceX capsule carrying the crew parachuted before dawn into the Gulf of Mexico just off the Florida coast.

“I used to be proud of my work and excited about my future here. I don't feel that anymore."

Microsoft works to make Recall "secure and trusted" after security complaints.

From the busy cities to ocean waters, our need to illuminate the world has had some strange and tragic consequences

The comedian is more than ready to reprise her Emmy-nominated 'SNL' guest role.

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The actor is getting some support from his ex-wife, Lindsay Hartley, and daughter, Bella.

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

King Charles has led Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph.

We spoke to the Conservative MP and former army officer Tom Tugendhat, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mark Stibbe was one of John Smyth's victims. He's a former vicar and is now an author.

We spoke to Dr Ian Paul, who is a reverend and member of General Synod and the Archbishops’ Council.

The business secretary Jonathan Reynolds has called for a change of culture at the Post Office, as he gave evidence to the inquiry into the Horizon scandal.

Brianna Ghey's mother, Esther Ghey, is now campaigning to raise awareness about the dangers of social media and the "toxic" online world which her daughter came to inhabit. She wants tighter regulation on internet access and more parental controls.

We spoke to one of John Smyth’s victims, Mark Stibbe, a former vicar and now an author.

We spoke to Reverend Doctor Stephen Cherry, Dean of Chapel at King's College, Cambridge.

We spoke to energy secretary Ed Miliband and began by asking him what he thought of Donald Trump saying climate change is a hoax.

The huge four-storey walls of the Lightroom in London are showing ‘Vogue: Inventing the Runway'.

Organizing business events can be a challenge. There’s always the concern that guests will lose interest or become disengaged. When organizing team-building activities and office parties, it becomes essential to add something extra that keeps everyone active and involved. That way, the event not only meets expectations but exceeds them, leaving people excited and talking […]

The post 4 Creative Ways to Keep Guests Engaged at Your Next Business Event appeared first on Chart Attack.

Sharks less likely to interact as LED lights get brighter

Woman claims to have a degree from "Havard" and be licensed by the "Estate Board."

Starship will launch during the late afternoon so its descent into Indian Ocean is visible.

The world's first wooden satellite arrived at the International Space Station this week.

They pose no risk to human health, and they're living their best lives.

Dropbox also laid off 500 last year but still had "excess layers of management."

Speculator swapped pricey domain for OpenAI shares instead of taking cash payment.

Broadcom acquisition was a "wake-up call" for VMware-dependent SMBs.

The new Louisiana requirement that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public classroom by Jan. 1 was temporarily blocked Tuesday. The judge said the law is "unconstitutional on its face."

Whoopi Goldberg told her co-hosts Tuesday on ABC's "The View" that she agrees with Vice President Kamala Harris voters who want to avoid family members who voted for President-elect Donald Trump during the holidays.

The post Whoopi Goldberg Endorses Harris Voters Avoiding Holidays with Trump-Supporting Family — ‘It Might Not Be the Time to Gather’ appeared first on Breitbart.

A 48-year-old man in Winnipeg who says his right leg was to be amputated due to an infection came out of the medical procedure to find out his left leg was amputated instead. Jason Kennedy knew he may eventually lose both legs to the infection but he still has questions about what happened.

Susan Holt, who repeatedly emphasized her differences with the prime minister leading up to last month’s election, was on more welcoming terms Tuesday after their first official meeting in Fredericton.

A now nine-year-old girl who says she was sexually assaulted by a priest last year in Little Grand Rapids First Nation told court on Tuesday she remembers feeling scared as the priest allegedly walked her to his bedroom inside the church that day.

The family of the man shot and killed by Hamilton police on Saturday has identified him as Erixon Kabera — a father of three, known for his kindness and dedication to Hamilton's Rwandan community. 

A teenager who tested positive for avian flu is in critical condition with acute respiratory distress according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

An Ottawa high school principal has apologized for playing an Arabic song about peace during a Remembrance Day ceremony after facing swift backlash from critics calling it inappropriate and hurtful to members of the Jewish community.

On the final day of Talk of the Nation, staff and colleagues have been faced with the dilemma of how to say goodbye. When your words fail, a greeting card can supply the right sentiment. Former Hallmark greeting card writer David Dickerson gives advice on saying goodbye.

1. Have a protein-rich breakfast every day for these 7 benefits  Hindustan Times
2. 6 Protein-Packed Breakfast Without Eggs  HerZindagi
3. 8 High-Protein Indian Breakfast Recipes to Fuel Your Day  Recipes
4. Wholesome Indian breakfasts that boost energy  Business Insider India
5. 5 DIY Protein-Packed Snacks That You Can Replace Breakfast With  WION

1. Netflix's The Great Indian Kapil Show: Navjot Singh Sidhu is back after 5 years of exit, Archana Puran Singh says, 'He’s taken over my...'  Firstpost
2. Did you know! Navjot Singh Sidhu was ousted from The Kapil Sharma Show for this reason  The Times of India
3. Navjot Singh Sidhu makes a roaring comeback; Archana Puran Singh worried about her The Great Indian Kapil Show throne  Hindustan Times
4. The Great Kapil Sharma Show: Navjot Sidhu shares his fast-track fatherhood plan. Kapil’s response is too f  The Economic Times
5. Navjot Singh Sidhu shares BTS pics from The Great Indian Kapil's show set with Archana Puran Singh and...  Moneycontrol

1. RG Kar rape case: Bengal governor seeks report from CM after Sanjay Roy made big allegation against ex-Kolkata top cop  Hindustan Times
2. RG Kar rape case: Bengal Guv seeks report from Mamata govt after accused Sanjay Roy claims ‘Vineet Goel is threatening…’  Mint
3. Video | RG Kar Case News | Kolkata Horror: Prime Accused Sanjay Roy's 'Shocking Revelation' On Camera  NDTV
4. RG Kar rape-murder victim’s dad deposes on day 1 of trial  The Times of India
5. RG Kar case: CM Mamata asked to submit report on prime accused's claim  CNBCTV18

1. Security beefed up at Ram temple in Ayodhya after Pannun's threat message  The Times of India
2. Security beefed up around Ram Mandir in Ayodhya after Gurpatwant Pannun’s ‘threat’  Hindustan Times
3. Pannun Announces New Dates Of Temple Attacks In Canada, India Terms Threats ‘Terror Acts’: Intel Sources  News18
4. Khalistani terrorist Pannun warns of ‘shaking Ayodhya's foundations’  The Economic Times
5. Security beefed up in Ayodhya after Khalistan`s threat  Zee News

1. Bypolls LIVE: Voting begins for Wayanad LS seat and 31 Assembly seats in 10 States; Priyanka Gandhi makes debut  The Hindu
2. Priyanka Gandhi's Debut, Bypolls In 31 Assembly Seats: All You Need To Know  NDTV
3. Watch: Rahul Gandhi tries Kerala's longest zipline in bid to promote tourism after landslides  The Times of India
4. Let's ensure resounding victory together: Rahul to Wayanad voters  The Hindu
5. Hope people of Wayanad give me chance to represent them, says Priyanka Gandhi  Telegraph India

1. Bulldozer justice: SC lays down pan-India guidelines for demolition of properties, says Executive can’t become judge and accused, convicts have certain rights  The Hindu
2. "House Embodies Hope": Supreme Court Demolishes 'Bulldozer Justice' Idea  NDTV
3. Unconstitutional to demolish house without following due process merely because they are involved in a crime: SC  The Indian Express
4. Supreme Court on bulldozer action: ‘No demolition without following guidelines, 15-day notice’  Hindustan Times
5. Bulldozer justice: Executive can't become judge, demolish house of accused, SC says  The Times of India

FPGA-powered hardware will capture CRT glow with "bespoke, purpose-built upscaler"