“When people look at this robot, they might see a useless gadget. I see the birth of a brand-new organism.” – Northwestern’s Sam Kriegman, who led the research.

Northwestern University researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by developing artificial intelligence (AI) capable of intelligently designing robots from scratch. This AI innovation defies conventional methods by swiftly creating novel robot structures on a lightweight personal computer, bypassing the need for energy-intensive supercomputers and colossal datasets.

To put this AI to the test, researchers asked it to design a robot capable of walking across a flat surface. While natural evolution took billions of years to produce the first walking species, the AI compressed this process into mere seconds, creating a functional walking robot. Unlike other AI systems that mimic existing human-designed solutions, this AI generates entirely unique concepts. (Northwestern)

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showcases the potential of AI-driven design algorithms. Northwestern’s Sam Kriegman, who led the research, describes it as “instant evolution,” where AI rapidly iterated designs starting from a simple block, eventually creating a walking robot within 26 seconds.

Remarkably, the AI independently arrived at the conclusion that legs were the optimal design for terrestrial locomotion, mirroring nature’s solution. However, the AI’s design featured three legs, fins, a flat face, and random holes, showcasing its ability to think beyond human conventions.

To verify the AI’s creations in the real world, researchers 3D printed a mold of the robot’s negative space, filled it with silicone rubber, and observed its slow but steady locomotion when air was pumped into it. The robot’s porous design, with seemingly random holes, remains a curiosity, but it appears crucial for its flexibility and functionality.

This AI breakthrough opens doors to a new era of AI-designed tools that can interact with the physical world, potentially aiding in disaster response, medical diagnostics, and more. Sam Kriegman envisions a future where AI-generated robots navigate complex environments, solving challenging problems, thanks to their unique, AI-inspired designs.

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