OpenMind: The OS for Humanoid Robots - AI Robotics

OpenMind: Developing the Operating System for Humanoid Robots

While numerous organizations concentrate on the physical construction of robots – the hardware enabling movement, object manipulation, and environmental interaction – OpenMind, a Silicon Valley company, directs its efforts towards the underlying software infrastructure.

OpenMind is creating OM1, a software platform designed to function as an operating system specifically for humanoid robots. The company positions itself as the equivalent of Android within the robotics field, emphasizing the open-source nature and hardware independence of its software.

The Need for a Human-Centric Operating System

Jan Liphardt, Stanford professor and founder of OpenMind, explained to TechCrunch that robots capable of performing repetitive tasks have existed for some time. However, the emergence of humanoids intended for applications demanding greater human-machine interaction, such as in-home assistance, necessitates a new operating system that more closely mimics human cognitive processes.

“A new era is unfolding where machines are capable of interacting with humans in unprecedented ways,” Liphardt stated. “We firmly believe in a collaborative relationship between machines and humans, and our company is built upon this principle.”

Introducing FABRIC: A Protocol for Robot Communication

On Monday, OpenMind introduced FABRIC, a novel protocol enabling robots to authenticate identities and exchange contextual information with one another.

Liphardt highlighted that machines possess the capacity to learn at an exceptionally rapid pace. Consequently, providing them with enhanced connectivity will facilitate quicker training and knowledge acquisition.

As an illustration, Liphardt referenced language acquisition, suggesting that robots could share data on different languages, thereby improving their ability to communicate with a wider range of individuals without direct human instruction.

“Humans naturally assume they can communicate with anyone globally,” Liphardt noted. “We’ve established infrastructure to trust others, communicate via calls or texts, and collaborate effectively. Machines will require similar capabilities.”

Deployment and Iteration Strategy

Founded in 2024, OpenMind is preparing to deploy its initial fleet of 10 OM1-powered robotic dogs by September. Liphardt expressed a strong commitment to releasing the technology and refining it based on real-world feedback.

“We anticipate that users hosting these quadrupeds will provide extensive feedback regarding desired improvements and features,” he said. “Our focus will be on rapidly iterating and enhancing the machines in response.”

Recent Funding and Future Focus

The company recently secured $20 million in funding, led by Pantera Capital, with contributions from Ribbit, Coinbase Ventures, Pebblebed, and various strategic and angel investors.

Currently, OpenMind is prioritizing the integration of its technology into homes and gathering user feedback.

“Our primary objective is to deploy robots and collect feedback,” Liphardt emphasized. “We aim to conduct as many tests as possible to swiftly identify opportunities where the robots’ current capabilities align optimally with human needs.”

Ultimately, OpenMind envisions a future where robots seamlessly integrate into daily life, driven by a software foundation that prioritizes human-machine collaboration.