Why robots are starting to practice 'grasping things' collectively

Over the past two years, if one had to pick the most crowded track at robotics exhibitions, it would probably be 'motion capabilities.' Running, dancing, backflips, from bipedal walking to full-body control, robotics companies have continuously used more complex movements to prove that a machine is increasingly resembling a person able to move freely.

But by this year's WAIC, a kind of movement with less visual impact is becoming increasingly important:

We use three very typical company DEMOs as examples in an attempt to uncover the technology trend behind this peculiar shift.

This year, Sudo Technology's robot stood in front of a workbench, continuously grasping unfamiliar objects and handling flexible materials. There were many onlookers, and the videos still look very impressive today:

Zero Power simply turned its booth into a public challenge, inviting audience members to bring out various items for the robot to grasp directly. From ordinary products to chocolate beans to thin, soft, transparent ties, the robot could pick them all up smoothly: