Here, the social robot Simon tests its manipulation abilities to pick up an object and place it in a basket. In a simulation, Simon gives social cues, such as nods and eye movement, to communicate to an instructor. The social instructor gives instructions (typed), which Simon follows to successfully build a toy block house. After a few sessions with the operator, Simon understands that the absolute location of the house is not important, only the relative location of the pieces.
Video by Andrea Thomaz/Georgia Institute of Technology - Read the Profile
A video narrated by Russell Stewart shows the sandcastle worm creating its mineral tube and a brief demonstration of synthetic adhesive based on the worm's natural glue.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology