Meta's AI Research team, known as FAIR, has unveiled several new technologies aimed at enhancing touch perception and dexterity in robotics. They have introduced three key innovations: Meta Sparsh, Meta Digit 360, and Meta Digit Plexus.
Meta Sparsh: A Game Changer in Touch Sensing
Meta Sparsh is groundbreaking as the first versatile system for touch sensing that utilizes vision—it operates seamlessly across a variety of sensors and tasks. This technology uses AI models to process touch signals, eliminating the need for manual models that typically require extensive customization for different tasks.
The Innovative Meta Digit 360
Next up is the Meta Digit 360, a project developed in partnership with GelSight Inc. This advanced artificial fingertip features more than 18 sensing capabilities, allowing it to detect forces as small as one millinewton. With over eight million tiny sensing units, known as "taxels," it can sense touch from any angle.
Bringing It All Together with Meta Digit Plexus
Furthermore, Meta Digit Plexus serves as a unified platform that integrates various touch sensors on robotic hands. It is set to be featured in the Allegro Hand from Wonik Robotics, which is anticipated to launch next year.
In addition, Meta has rolled out a new benchmark framework called PARTNR, designed to evaluate how effectively robots can plan and work alongside humans. This framework includes 100,000 natural language tasks distributed across 60 virtual homes and over 5,800 distinct objects, all aimed at enhancing the social capabilities of robots.
These developments are expected to create significant impacts in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and prosthetics. The Digit 360 from GelSight Inc. is anticipated to be available next year, with an early-access option through a call for proposals.
