How does a robotic arm or a prosthetic hand learn a complex task like grasping and rotating a ball? Researchers address the classic 'nature versus nurture' question. The research demonstrates that the sequence of learning, also known as the 'curriculum,' is critical for learning to occur.
How does a robotic arm or a prosthetic hand learn a complex task like grasping and rotating a ball? Researchers address the classic 'nature versus nurture' question. The research demonstrates that the sequence of learning, also known as the 'curriculum,' is critical for learning to occur.
In fact, the researchers note that if the curriculum takes place in a particular sequence, a simulated robotic hand can learn to manipulate with incomplete or even absent tactile sensation. How does a robotic arm or a prosthetic hand learn a complex task like grasping and rotating a ball? The challenge for the human, prosthetic or robotic hand has always been to correctly learn to control the fingers to exert forces on an object. The sensitive skin and nerve endings that cover our hands have been attributed with helping us learn and adapt our manipulation, so roboticists have insisted on incorporating sensors on robotic hands. But-given that you can still learn to handle objects with gloves on- there must be something else at play. This mystery is what inspired researchers in the ValeroLab in the Viterbi School of Engineering to explore if tactile sensation is really always necessary for learning to control the fingers. The researchers Romina Mir, Ali Marjaninejad, Andrew Erwin and Professor Francisco Valero-Cuevas within Alfred Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering asked: how do the sensors that are part of the hand interplay with how a hand is trained to learn complex tasks? In a paper in the journal Science Advances, the team addresses the classic"nature versus nurture" question using computational modeling and machine learning. The paper"Curriculum Is More Influential Than Haptic Information During Reinforcement Learning of Object Manipulation Against Gravity" builds on the lab's previous work related to hand evolution and artificial intelligence. It demonstrates that the sequence of learning, also known as the"curriculum," is critical for learning to occur. In fact, the researchers note that if the curriculum takes place in a particular sequence, a simulated robotic hand can learn to manipulate with incomplete or even absent tactile sensation. For this study, the team employed software to simulate a three-finger robotic hand to"provide a counter-example to the long-held notion that tactile sensation is always necessary" Valero-Cuevas says, and also"emphasizes the importance of the sequence of rewards for training" commented Romina Mir, who is one of two first authors and a PhD student in the ValeroLab. "Reward guides development of the system," said corresponding author, Francisco Valero-Cuevas who is also a professor in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at USC. He added,"…just like biological systems are a product of their experience. This link between machine learning and biology is a powerful connection that may enable progress of artificial intelligence systems that can learn and adapt in the physical world." In this collaboration between the Viterbi School of Engineering and the University of California in Santa Cruz , doctoral students Parmita Ojaghi and Romina Mir co-led this work in collaboration with Prof. Michael Wehner . Ali Marjaninejad and Andrew Erwin also contributed to this work. Pegah Ojaghi, Romina Mir, Ali Marjaninejad, Andrew Erwin, Michael Wehner, Francisco J. Valero-Cuevas.Scientists have developed an AI-driven approach that significantly advances our understanding of the hand's complex motor functions. The team used a creative machine learning strategy that combined ... A new soft robotic glove is lending a 'hand' and providing hope to piano players who have suffered a disabling stroke or other neurotrauma. Combining flexible tactile sensors, soft actuators and AI, ... A new study could be a game changer for users of prosthetic hands who have long awaited advances in dexterity. Researchers examined if people could precisely control the grip forces applied to two ... Prosthetics currently lack the sensation of 'touch.' To enable a more natural feeling prosthetic hand interface, researchers are the first to incorporate stretchable tactile sensors using liquid ...
Infant And Preschool Learning Language Acquisition Robotics Research Engineering Technology Robotics Educational Technology Artificial Intelligence
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How the science of savoring can help you nurture your relationshipsLearn this simple practice that researchers say can strengthen bonds with loved ones and improve your daily well-being.
Read more »
How the science of savoring can help you nurture your relationshipsLearn this simple practice that researchers say can strengthen bonds with loved ones and improve your daily well-being.
Read more »
How To Nurture Your Gut-Brain Axis For Better Mental Health, From A PhDIt's easier than you think.
Read more »
Bridging Nature and Nurture: Study reveals brain's flexible foundation from birthBy studying never-before-seen details of brain connectivity in human infants, researchers have identified how a balance of innate structure and flexible learning produces our remarkably organized visual brains.
Read more »
Small Business Development Centers nurture entrepreneurial spirit in our communityCommentary: Supporting small businesses is vital not only for economic growth but also for the strength and resilience of our communities.
Read more »
They traded a garden for a house that would nurture themOregon couple downsizes by removing garden on a double lot for a smaller, functional new home
Read more »