Singapore Researchers Create Robot That Can Assemble IKEA Furniture

Of course, the robot didn't learn to do it on its first try.

Though it took only 20 minutes for the robot to assemble a standard IKEA chair, it took the team of researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) 3 years to teach it to do so. The robot (which is made of "arms, grippers, sensors, and 3D cameras") is only at the beginning of its journey, however, as researcher Quang-Cuong Pham told Reuters:

We have achieved the low level capability to teach the robot 'how to do it' and then in the next five to 10 years, high level reasoning - the 'what to do' - could be done too.

IKEA is behind the technological advances 100%!

I'll bet you didn't know IKEA had a global business area manager of kitchen and dining. Well, they do and her name is Cindy Andersen. Anderson commented to the Daily Mail:

It's interesting to see an example of how robots could potentially contribute to our vision of creating a better everyday life for many people.

We are very positive about embracing new technology.

It's no coincidence the robots were designed in Singapore.

Due to the country's strict laws which severely cap the amount of "cheap foreign labor" available to companies, many businesses turn to automation and robotics to "boost productivity." In fact, many restaurants and hotels use robots for everyday tasks!

THE FUTURE IS NOW.

Twitter is awestruck by these talented machines.

Sadly, however, all good things must come to an end.

There are those on Twitter who said the robot was too good to be true from the very start.

If you're thinking of moving, perhaps now is a good time to hold off.

In a couple years, you may be able to hire a robot assistant who will handle the IKEA assembly in your stead. They'll take care of everything—the building AND the crying.

H/T - Twitter, Reuters