Poems, essays, and even books have all fallen victim to the ingenious capabilities of ChatGPT, the open AI platform that seems to know it all. But the burning question remains: Can ChatGPT design a robot? Researchers from TU Delft and EPFL set out to uncover the truth, leading to a fascinating and hilarious collaboration. The findings of their study were recently published in Nature Machine Intelligence, offering a glimpse into the quirky world of AI-assisted design.

The researchers, led by Cosimo Della Santina and Francesco Stella from TU Delft, along with Josie Hughes from EPFL, started their experiment by posing a challenging question to ChatGPT: What are the greatest future challenges for humanity? After some engaging banter, the trio settled on a mission to revolutionize food supply. And thus, the idea of a tomato-harvesting robot was born.

With ChatGPT as their trusty sidekick, the researchers eagerly embraced its design decisions. Stella reveals that the AI's input was particularly invaluable during the conceptual phase, expanding their knowledge into new realms. "ChatGPT taught us which crop would be most economically valuable to automate," he says. And the suggestions didn't stop there. During the implementation phase, ChatGPT offered practical advice, such as using silicone or rubber for the gripper to prevent tomato squashing and employing a Dynamixel motor for optimal robot movement.

While the collaboration proved fruitful, the researchers did notice a shift in their roles. "Our position as engineers evolved to focus more on technical tasks," Stella explains. In their publication, they explore the delicate balance of cooperation between humans and Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. They consider scenarios where the AI takes the lead, dictating the entire design process, while humans act as mere managers specifying the objectives.

However, cautionary notes must be sounded amidst the laughter. Della Santina warns that unchecked AI output can lead to misinformation and bias in the realm of robotics. Verification and validation remain crucial to ensure reliable results. Moreover, working with LLMs raises concerns of plagiarism, traceability, and intellectual property, prompting the researchers to tread carefully. (Read more here)

Undeterred by the challenges, Della Santina, Stella, and Hughes have big plans for their tomato-harvesting robot and the future of AI in robotics. They aim to explore the autonomy of AIs in designing their own bodies, a topic brimming with endless possibilities. Stella ponders the potential of LLMs to assist robot developers without stifling creativity and innovation.

As the world witnesses this extraordinary friendship between ChatGPT and the tomato-harvesting robot, one can't help but marvel at the delightful chaos that AI brings to the design process. With a dash of humor and a pinch of skepticism, researchers march on, discovering the uncharted territories where AI and human ingenuity meet.

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🔋 Quantum Computers and AI Get a Boost

The Rise of the Superconducting Diode

Hold on to your circuit boards, folks, because the future of quantum computers and artificial intelligence (AI) just got a supercharged upgrade! A team of brilliant minds from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has unveiled a mind-boggling creation: a brand-new superconducting diode that promises to scale up quantum computers for industrial use and enhance AI systems. But what makes this diode so special? Well, sit back and let us enlighten you with some electrifying details.

Diodes, those clever little components that allow current to flow in one direction, are essential in electronic circuits. Traditionally made with semiconductors, researchers have set their sights on superconductors for a power-packed upgrade. Superconductors possess the remarkable ability to transfer energy without any loss. It's like having a magician in your computer chips!

Led by the ingenious Vlad Pribiag, the University of Minnesota researchers developed their masterpiece by sandwiching non-superconducting material between layers of superconductors—a trio of Josephson junctions, to be precise. But here's where the magic happens: they added gates to control the flow of energy, a groundbreaking integration never seen before in a superconducting diode.

With their creation, these brainiacs achieved a trifecta of awesomeness. Firstly, the device boasts superior energy efficiency, leaving other diodes green with envy. Secondly, it has the power to process multiple signal inputs, making it a superstar in the world of neuromorphic computing—where electrical circuits mimic the brain's neural networks to boost AI performance. And finally, the researchers designed the device with industry-friendliness in mind, using materials that are more accessible and deliver new functionalities. It's like the rock star of the electronics world! (Read more here)

But the excitement doesn't stop there. The researchers' method can be used with any type of superconductor, making it versatile and user-friendly. It's like having a universal remote control for quantum computing! With these qualities, the device is perfectly poised for industrial applications, paving the way for the widespread development and use of quantum computers.

While the world eagerly awaits the next quantum leap in computing power, these researchers have shown us that the hardware needed to implement mind-blowing algorithms is within our grasp. Their creation is a shining example of universities sparking ideas that eventually find their way into practical machines, ready to transform our lives.

So, let's salute the unstoppable University of Minnesota team, who have raised the bar for electronic innovation. With their superconducting diode in hand, we're one step closer to a future where quantum computers and AI reign supreme. It's electrifying, it's exciting, and it's happening right before our eyes!