Italian researchers have decided enlisted the help of a robot assistant that can learn how to help build IKEA furniture without pre-programming movements.

Computer science researchers aim to teach robots how to predict human preferences in assembly tasks, so they can one day help out on everything from building a satellite to setting a table.

Ford, GM and other automakers are moving to automate more production. That could mean fewer jobs — but also new types of careers.

Factory workers can teach a robot to do multiple complex assembly tasks. Domestic robots can learn how to stack cabinets, load the dishwasher, or set the table from people at home." ...

Researchers created a swarm of 1,024 tiny robots to do their bidding. So far, the only job they're given is to arrange themselves into a shape. But future versions could perform all sorts of tasks.

Typically those machines are used for product assembly, loading and unloading, and even painting, but in this case it will be trading volleys over a standard ping pong table.

The relatively slim robots can be table or ceiling mounted. They both include absolute encoders and are controlled by IQ200 control systems, the common control platform for all Bosch Rexroth robots.