Now, There’s A ‘Kindergarten’ For Robots In Beijing

The “robot kindergarten” opened at Shougang Park in Beijing’s Shijingshan district. It was jointly established by Chinese tactile-sensing company Tashan Technology and OpenMind, a team led by Richard Sutton, the 2024 Turing Award winner known for his work in reinforcement learning, according to People’s Daily.

The facility has three main areas: testing, learning and interaction. According to Tashan Technology Vice President of Research and Development Hou Guangdong, the aim is to allow robots to learn through perception, action, feedback and reflection as they interact with physical environments, People’s Daily reported.

Robots from companies including Unitree Robotics and Booster Robotics have been seen operating inside the facility. People’s Daily reported that some robots were walking and interacting with visitors during a recent visit. The facility differs from training centers that rely on robots imitating human movements, with its organizers instead emphasizing repeated interaction and experimentation, according to the report.

Tactile sensing is a central part of the approach. One robot equipped with Tashan Technology’s tactile “skin” responded when its arm was firmly gripped. The company says tactile sensing can give robots information about physical contact with their surroundings and help them develop safer ways to interact, Economic Observer reported.

The first stage of the project is focused on keeping robots operating for longer periods, reducing damage and enabling autonomous charging, according to Hou. Later research is expected to address motion control, object interaction and cooperation between multiple robots, People’s Daily reported.

The project also has a research component. OpenMind and Tashan Technology unveiled seven joint research topics, including tactile and pain-sensing mechanisms. The organizers say the longer-term goal is to develop robots that can learn from experience and transfer learning across different robot bodies, according to Economic Observer.

For now, the facility is a research and experimental environment rather than evidence that robots can independently acquire broad capabilities in ordinary workplaces or homes. Its organizers have described autonomous charging, longer operating periods and more advanced interaction as development goals, not completed commercial capabilities, People’s Daily reported.