MIT researchers have created a new AI system called PRoC3S to make warehouse robots smarter and more flexible. This system helps robots handle odd-shaped packages, work in busy spaces, and adapt to changing situations—all while keeping human workers safe.
Retailers and logistics companies are under pressure to improve efficiency due to the growing demand for online shopping. While robots are great at simple tasks like moving pallets, PRoC3S can help them do harder jobs that need human-like skills, such as picking, sorting, and organizing items.
How PRoC3S Works
PRoC3S combines AI language models with computer vision. Before a robot acts, it runs tests in a virtual world to see if its plan will work in real life. If the plan fails, the robot tries different options until it finds a solution.
In lab tests, PRoC3S showed an 80% success rate in tasks like sorting blocks and drawing shapes. This system could one day allow robots to handle complex household tasks like “make breakfast” by carefully testing each step virtually.
Improving Warehouse Efficiency
Traditional warehouse robots often need detailed instructions to perform tasks, which makes them slow and expensive to set up. PRoC3S changes this by allowing robots to adapt on their own. For example, if a robot is stacking boxes and runs out of space on one layer, it can figure out how to start a new layer without stopping.
Jenny Shern from NexCOBOT explained that PRoC3S could reduce costly errors and save time by letting robots think through each step of a job. This flexibility is especially helpful for unpredictable tasks, such as handling items of different shapes and sizes in crowded warehouses.
A Smarter Future for Robots
PRoC3S is part of a larger trend where AI is making warehouse robots better at solving problems and working alongside humans. Companies like Amazon and Agility Robotics are also using AI to improve speed and accuracy in sorting and picking tasks.
With systems like PRoC3S, robots could soon take on even more advanced roles in warehouses, making operations faster, safer, and more efficient.
Source: pymnts
