Robustoids

Robustoids are a concept in robotics and artificial intelligence that refers to robotic systems designed to perform tasks reliably and predictably even when faced with uncertainty or unexpected changes in their environment. The term "robust" implies resilience and the ability to maintain performance under varying conditions, while "oids" suggests an analogy to biological organisms, implying a degree of adaptability and self-preservation.

The core idea behind robustoids is to move beyond purely deterministic control systems that operate under idealized assumptions. Instead, robustoid design incorporates mechanisms to handle sensor noise, actuator imperfections, unpredictable external forces, and variations in the object being manipulated. This can involve a combination of advanced sensing, intelligent control algorithms, and sophisticated planning capabilities.

Key characteristics of robustoid systems include their ability to detect deviations from expected behavior, adapt their actions in real-time, and potentially recover from failures. This might involve employing techniques such as adaptive control, fault detection and isolation, and robust planning algorithms that can generate contingency plans. The goal is to create robots that are not only capable of executing their intended functions but also can do so safely and effectively in real-world, dynamic environments. While the term is not as formally established as some other robotics concepts, it encapsulates a significant research direction focused on enhancing the reliability and autonomy of robotic systems.