The AI robot can make coffee and handle tasks in busy kitchens. With new technology, it adapts to changes and works in different environments.
AI-powered robots are moving closer to performing complex human tasks, with a new study highlighting a machine that can prepare coffee in a busy kitchen. Developed by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, the technology combines advanced AI, sensitive sensors, and precise motor skills to navigate its environment more like a human. The research suggests that such innovations could redefine what robots are capable of, taking on tasks that once required human hands.
Robots excel in controlled environments like factories, but they struggle in unpredictable settings such as kitchens, experts say. This is because they typically rely on pre-programmed actions and lack the ability to adapt in real-time.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have addressed this challenge by integrating advanced AI with precise motor skills, allowing robots to interact more effectively with objects and people in complex environments. Previously, these developments had progressed separately, but combining them has led to significant improvements.
The new system features a robotic arm with seven movable joints. It first interprets verbal instructions, then assesses its surroundings. To make coffee, it searches for a mug, figures out how to open unfamiliar drawers, and measures and mixes coffee with water.
The robot’s technology allows it to adapt to unexpected changes, such as someone moving the mug while it is working, ensuring smooth operation even in dynamic settings.
The research highlights a future where robots with advanced intelligence could become common. Human intelligence emerges from the integration of reasoning, movement, and perception, but AI and robotics have often progressed separately. This work demonstrates the benefits of combining these approaches and emphasizes the importance of discussing their societal impact.
Reference: Nature Machine Intelligence (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-025-01005-x
