The Brief

Practice makes perfect, even for robots?

The age-old cliché ‘practice makes perfect’ typically brings to mind human effort, but it might surprise you to learn it's just as relevant in the world of robotics.

Thanks to an exciting new algorithm, robots can now identify their weaknesses and polish their skills.?

The algorithm is known as "Estimate, Extrapolate, and Situate" (EES).?

It works by examining how well a robot performs and executes a specific task before making suggestions on which skills could do with a bit of practice.?

Researchers from the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL) and The AI Institute are behind the new algorithm.?

It’s been tested on Boston Dynamics' Spot quadruped robot, which has been used in shipyards to monitor yard equipment and explore dangerous or hard-to-reach areas onboard ships.?

During the recent trial with the new ESS algorithm, Spot learnt in just 3 hours how to securely place a?ball and ring on a slanted table. In another test, Spot spent a couple of hours practising sweeping toys into a bin. Two hours later the robot was completing this task with a greater level of accuracy and speed.?

The researchers noted that previously it would have taken Spot a minimum of 10 hours to achieve proficiency in either of these skills.

While these tasks are quite basic, the new learning capability is expected to significantly improve the performance of robots across various environments, including factories and hospitals. In shipping, these additional self-learning skills could see robots inspecting, cleaning, or maintaining vessel areas and equipment with an ever higher degree of accuracy and speed than they are capable of today.?

Eventually, the researchers hope that simulators could be integrated to provide a combined virtual and physical practice environment, which would increase the learning pace even more.?

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LATEST NEWS

In ship operations news this week, shipping group Chandris Hellas has agreed a deal to implement a new crew software system from maritime tech start-up Seafair, and agreement that also includes group company Century Bulk Carriers.

Seadronix, a provider of AI-enabled autonomous ship navigation solutions, has announced the release of a white paper on artificial intelligence (AI) for marine object recognition. This research introduces the VaDA (Vertical and Detail Attention) model, an advanced AI technology designed to recognise objects in challenging marine conditions, such as light reflections, interference, and adverse weather.

LNG shipping company Gaslog is to automate its dry-docking processes, through a partnership with Norway-based maritime software firm Shipnet.

Ocean Technologies Group (OTG) has launched a new e-learning title: Methanol Fuel Safety. The course curriculum aligns with ongoing work in industry groups to establish training standards for working safely with new fuels.

COSCO SHIPPING has focused on building a shipping technology enterprise, integrating technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), in order to adapt to the new trends of technological and industrial changes.

In the ports and terminals sector, construction of a commercial shore power system has started at the Port of Aberdeen as part of a ￡4 million ($5.1 million) project designed to supply clean electricity to vessels at seven berths. The project is scheduled to deliver its first power in March 2025.

In chartering and voyage management, the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) has launched the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC) database. This programme aims to keep flag registries informed and current on vessel histories and potential sanctions concerns.

Lloyd’s List Intelligence has launched a new vessel tracking system called AIS+, combining Automatic Identification System (AIS) data with artificial intelligence to provide insight into vessel movements, movement history, and predictive movements.

If you would like to stay on top of the latest maritime headlines, check out Thetius IQ. It’s a one-stop shop for all maritime news, research and in-depth articles, and features a comprehensive organisation database.

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