A humanoid robot valued at $80,000 has joined Stony Brook University for a temporary stay until July. The robot, on loan from robotics startup DL-RL, is designed to assist with household tasks commonly needed in caregiving environments. Standing about 4.5 feet tall and weighing 77 pounds, the robot is being integrated into campus life as part of ongoing research in embodied artificial intelligence.
Embodied AI refers to artificial intelligence systems embedded within physical bodies, enabling them to interact with their surroundings through movement and sensory input rather than software alone. The project team at Stony Brook uses "programming by demonstration," a method where humans teach the robot tasks by physically guiding its movements.
“We do ‘programming by demonstration’ and we have a new method that we developed that potentially makes it very easy to do manipulation tasks,” said Nilanjan Chakraborty, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and member of the robotics project.
Scott Carney, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, commented on the work: “Professor Chakraborty is a star in a bright cluster of stars in robotics here at SBU. The work of DL-RL is exciting and will provide improvements to human quality of life.”
The training process involves caregivers manually guiding the robot through activities such as pouring drinks or cleaning spills. Once trained on these actions, the robot can perform them independently—even adapting when variables like cup size or placement change.
Aditya Patankar, a graduate student involved in the project, explained current limitations: “What we are trying to do is get the robot to perform certain activities like scooping and walking around autonomously. Right now you have to control it with a remote control, it can not do it automatically.”
Concerns about robots replacing human jobs were addressed by Chakraborty: “The hope is that having this system in place that can work with people is that it improves all aspects of social life. Yes, it will change certain job descriptions, but that comes with every technology advancement. But I think that there will be a net positive to those in the professions and those receiving those services. I don’t see it replacing humans per se.”
Carney highlighted both technical achievement and social impact: “That DL-RL chose to partner with SBU in this manner speaks to the great work going on in Professor Chakraborty’s group and his impact in the world. His technical virtuosity is coupled to a deep humanity and commitment to making a better world.”
Caregivers continue to play an essential role due to their ability for personal connection—something not easily replicated by machines.