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The future of household assist may look a lot more robotic and a lot more intuitive. Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) have developed a new methodology enabling robots to learn complex, two-armed tasks – like setting and clearing a table – simply by watching humans. This breakthrough in observational learning promises more adaptable and easily-teachable service robots, particularly for assisting an aging population.
Traditionally, programming robots to perform even simple tasks required painstakingly coding every single movement. The UC3M team’s approach, recently presented at the IROS 2025 robotics conference, bypasses this laborious process. Instead, the robots learn by imitation, mirroring human actions. But simply copying isn’t enough; the key innovation lies in the robot’s ability to adapt to slight variations in its environment.
This adaptability is achieved through a system of “intercommunication” between the robot’s limbs, allowing for coordinated movement. The research centers around the ADAM robot (Autonomous Domestic Ambidextrous Manipulator), designed specifically for assistive tasks in home settings. “It can, for example, set the table and clear it afterwards, tidy the kitchen, or bring a user a glass of water or medication at the indicated time,” explains Alicia Mora, a researcher from the UC3M Robotics Lab’s Mobile Robots Group. “It can also help them when they are going out by bringing a coat or an article of clothing.”
The challenge of coordinating two robotic arms working in tandem is a significant hurdle in current robotics research. The UC3M team’s solution allows the robot’s movements to behave like a “rubber band” – if the target object shifts position, the robot’s trajectory smoothly adjusts to reach it, maintaining the integrity of the action, such as keeping a glass upright to prevent spills.
Addressing the Needs of an Aging Population
Beyond the technical advancements, the development of robots like ADAM addresses a growing societal necessitate. “Every day there are more elderly people in our society and fewer people who can care for them, so these types of technological solutions are going to become increasingly necessary,” says Ramón Barber, director of the Mobile Robots Group and a professor in the UC3M Department of Systems Engineering, and Automation. He emphasizes that even simple gestures, like having someone bring a glass of water, can significantly improve the quality of life and independence for those who require assistance.
ADAM is currently an experimental platform, with a cost estimated between 80,000 and 100,000 euros. However, researchers believe the technology is maturing rapidly. They predict that within 10 to 15 years, similar robots could be commonplace in homes at a much more affordable price point.
How Imitation Learning Works
The core of this advancement lies in the application of imitation learning. Instead of relying on thousands of lines of code, researchers allow the robot to learn by observing human demonstrations. A human can either directly guide the robot’s arms through a task or record themselves performing the action. However, the team recognized that simply replicating a movement isn’t sufficient. The robot must understand the *intent* of the action, not just the mechanics.
This is where the “rubber band” effect comes into play. If a robot learns to grasp a bottle in a specific location, and that bottle is moved slightly, a traditional imitation system would repeat the original, now-incorrect movement. The UC3M team’s approach allows the robot to adapt, smoothly adjusting its trajectory to successfully grasp the bottle in its new position. This ensures the robot can handle real-world variability and maintain the essential function of the task.
As SpaceDaily reports, the ADAM platform is specifically designed to support older adults in their homes or care facilities.
The Future of Assistive Robotics
While still in the experimental phase, the UC3M’s work represents a significant step towards creating truly helpful and adaptable robots for domestic environments. The ability to learn from observation, combined with the coordination of two arms, opens up a wide range of possibilities for assistive technologies. Further research will likely focus on refining the learning algorithms, expanding the range of tasks the robot can perform, and reducing the cost to make these technologies accessible to a wider population. The ongoing development of robots like ADAM signals a future where technology plays an increasingly important role in supporting independent living and enhancing the quality of life for individuals of all ages.
What are your thoughts on the role of robots in elder care? Share your opinions in the comments below.
