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In the world of electronics, the reliability of components is essential for ensuring the smooth functioning of devices. Whether you're operating a smartphone, driving a car, or managing a complex industrial system, you can be certain that precise control over temperature is vital. One of the unsung heroes in achieving this control is the Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor.NTC thermistors are small, yet powerful components that help manage temperature in a vast array of applications, from everyday consumer electronics to high-performance systems. These devices sense temperature changes and regulate electrical resistance accordingly, offering both temperature measurement and protection capabilities. In this article, we'll explore what NTC thermistors are, how they work, and their various applications. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or a newcomer to the world of thermistors, this guide will provide you with a thorough understanding of these components and their importance in modern electronics. What Is an NTC Thermistor?To start, it's important to understand the basic concept behind NTC thermistors. A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance varies significantly with temperature. Unlike standard resistors, whose resistance remains constant, thermistors are temperature-dependent.NTC thermistors, specifically, have a negative temperature coefficient, which means that their resistance decreases as the temperature increases. This is the opposite of Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) thermistors, whose resistance increases as temperature rises. The key characteristic of NTC thermistors lies in their ability to offer precise temperature control, making them crucial for temperature sensing and circuit protection in a variety of devices. How NTC Thermistors WorkNTC thermistors function based on the principle that their resistance is inversely proportional to temperature. When the temperature of the thermistor increases, its resistance decreases. The relationship between resistance and temperature is not linear, but exponential, which is mathematically described by the following formula:Where:R(T) is the resistance at temperature T,R0 is the resistance at a reference temperature,B is the material constant specific to the thermistor,T is the temperature in Kelvin.In simpler terms, as the temperature rises, the resistance of the NTC thermistor falls dramatically. This property is what makes these thermistors particularly effective in applications where precise temperature sensing or regulation is necessary. Key Characteristics of NTC ThermistorsNTC thermistors are characterized by several key attributes that define their functionality and performance:High Sensitivity: The resistance of an NTC thermistor changes significantly with even small changes in temperature. This high sensitivity makes them ideal for measuring temperature accurately in a range of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial systems.Non-linearity: Unlike linear temperature sensors, NTC thermistors exhibit a non-linear resistance-temperature relationship. This makes them well-suited for applications where a large change in resistance is needed for a relatively small change in temperature.Self-heating: Like all resistive components, NTC thermistors generate heat as current passes through them. This self-heating effect can influence their behavior, especially when used in circuits with high current. Careful consideration of current ratings is essential to prevent thermal damage.Stability and Reliability: NTC thermistors are known for their long-term stability and reliability, making them suitable for both consumer-grade devices and high-performance applications that require consistent performance over time. Common Applications of NTC ThermistorsThe versatility of NTC thermistors has led to their widespread use in various applications. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common uses:1.Temperature SensingOne of the primary applications of NTC thermistors is temperature sensing. Because their resistance changes predictably with temperature, they are often used in temperature measurement devices, including:Thermometers: NTC thermistors are commonly used in digital thermometers for both medical and industrial applications. Their sensitivity allows them to measure small variations in temperature with high precision.Home Appliances: Many household appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and air conditioners, use NTC thermistors to monitor and regulate internal temperatures. The thermistors provide feedback to the control systems, ensuring that the devices operate within safe temperature ranges.Automotive Sensors: In automotive systems, NTC thermistors are used to monitor the temperature of components like engine coolant, exhaust gases, and battery packs. Accurate temperature measurement is crucial for maintaining optimal engine performance and preventing overheating. 2.Inrush Current LimitingWhen electrical devices are powered on, they can experience an inrush current – a brief surge in current that occurs as capacitors charge and other components initialize. This surge can be harmful to the components, potentially causing damage or shortening their lifespan.NTC thermistors help limit this inrush current by offering high resistance when first powered on. The high resistance reduces the initial current flow, protecting sensitive components from damage. As the thermistor heats up, its resistance decreases, allowing normal current to flow.This property makes NTC thermistors ideal for use in power supplies, surge protectors, and devices with large capacitive loads, such as audio amplifiers or power converters. 3.Battery Management SystemsIn battery-powered devices, temperature control is critical for maintaining battery health and performance. Overheating can reduce the lifespan of batteries or cause them to fail entirely. NTC thermistors are used in battery management systems to monitor the temperature of battery packs in devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.By constantly monitoring the temperature of the battery, the thermistor ensures that the battery operates within safe limits. If the temperature rises too high, the system can trigger a cooling mechanism or shut down the device to prevent damage. 4.Overheating ProtectionNTC thermistors are also widely used in circuit protection applications. In devices with high-power circuits, such as power supplies and motors, the thermistors help prevent overheating by regulating the current flow based on temperature changes. If the temperature exceeds a preset threshold, the thermistor's resistance increases, limiting the current and preventing further heating. 5.Consumer ElectronicsFrom smartphones to laptops, NTC thermistors are integrated into nearly all modern electronic devices. They are used not only for temperature sensing but also for ensuring the thermal protection of critical components. In devices with high-performance processors or graphics units, such as gaming consoles or computers, NTC thermistors monitor the temperature to prevent overheating and maintain consistent performance. Choosing the Right NTC ThermistorSelecting the right NTC thermistor is crucial to ensuring that your device operates as intended. When choosing an NTC thermistor, several factors need to be considered:1.Temperature RangeNTC thermistors are available in a variety of temperature ranges, from low to high temperatures. It's important to select a thermistor that can operate within the temperature range of your application. For example, automotive applications require thermistors with a higher temperature tolerance compared to consumer electronics.2.Resistance ValueThe resistance value of an NTC thermistor should be chosen based on the requirements of the circuit. A higher resistance provides better sensitivity to temperature changes, but it also results in slower response times. For applications requiring quick temperature measurements, lower resistance thermistors may be more appropriate.3.B-ValueThe B-value is a constant that defines the relationship between resistance and temperature. A higher B-value indicates that the thermistor will exhibit a more significant change in resistance per unit of temperature change. This property is essential for applications requiring high sensitivity.4.Size and Form FactorThe size and shape of the thermistor also matter. Surface-mount thermistors are ideal for compact electronic devices, while larger disc thermistors are better suited for power supply applications. Consider the available space in your design when choosing the form factor. ConclusionNTC thermistors are critical components in modern electronics, offering temperature sensing, circuit protection, and inrush current limiting capabilities. Their sensitivity to temperature changes and reliable performance make them invaluable in applications ranging from consumer electronics to industrial systems. By understanding the fundamental properties and applications of NTC thermistors, you can ensure that your electronic designs are more efficient, reliable, and long-lasting.At Kynix Semiconductor, we offer a wide selection of high-quality NTC thermistors to suit a variety of applications. Whether you're designing a temperature-sensing circuit for a medical device or need an inrush current limiter for a power supply, we have the right thermistor for you. Explore our catalog today and discover how our components can help optimize your designs for superior performance.

Overview: This article explains the working principles and types of solenoid valves, including on-off and proportional, their working mechanisms, and applications in industrial automation and fluid control systems.An electronic actuator is any device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion or force. These come in many forms, including motors, solenoids, and pneumatic/hydraulic systems controlled electronically. The integration of solenoids into various industries like automotive systems, hydraulic and pneumatic controls, process automation, and home electronics demonstrates their importance in modern technological applications.What is a solenoid?A solenoid is an electromechanical device that converts electrical energy into linear or rotary mechanical motion. The solenoid mechanism has gained widespread adoption due to its operational simplicity, high reliability, and rapid response characteristics.Working Principle of SolenoidIts basic construction consists of a coil wound around a movable ferromagnetic core (plunger), as shown in Fig. 1. When current flows through the coil, a magnetic field is generated, which pulls or pushes the plunger to create mechanical force. The magnetic force increases as the gap between the plunger and core decreases, resulting in a rapid, full-stroke action.Fig. 1 Diagrammatic illustration of the solenoid valve. Source: Rakesh Kumar, Ph.D.Types of SolenoidSolenoid valves are manufactured in numerous configurations and dimensions. Multiple variants exist, differentiated by their flow capacity ratings, operating pressure ranges, and specific internal mechanical designs. They come in two primary categories:On–off typeProportional typeOn-Off SolenoidsOn-off solenoids operate on a binary principle, functioning similarly to basic switches by existing in only two states. Either fully activated (on) or completely deactivated (off). Ideal for simple, binary tasks such as opening/closing valves, activating locks, or switching circuits.Working of Normally On SolenoidsIn a normally open solenoid, the spring holds the plunger in an upward position, maintaining the valve in an open state. When electrical current is applied to the coil, the resulting electromagnetic field pulls the plunger downward, closing the valve. Once the current is interrupted, the electromagnetic force disappears, and the spring pushes the plunger back to its original elevated position, reopening the valve.Working of Normally Off SolenoidsIn a normally closed valve configuration, the spring maintains downward pressure on the plunger, keeping the valve shut. When electricity flows through the coil, it creates an electromagnetic field that overcomes the spring tension, pulling the plunger upward and opening the valve. Upon current stoppage, the electromagnetic field dissipates, allowing the spring to push the plunger back down, returning the valve to its closed position.Though well-suited for simple tasks, these on-off solenoids lack the capability needed for applications that demand exact positioning or adjustable control levels.Proportional SolenoidsProportional solenoids deliver precise, variable control through current modulation. Unlike binary devices, they produce a wide range of outputs, essential for applications demanding accuracy and adaptability. Converting on-off solenoids to proportional operation requires substantial modifications, particularly to their geometric configuration and magnetic pathway design.ApplicationsSolenoid valves are common in controlling the flow of liquids and gases in industrial, medical, and utility applications. They are used to open or close valves in response to electrical signals, automating fluid supply in systems such as HVAC, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment.They are important in automation and machine control, working with sensors and controllers to synchronize processes in robotics, production lines, and smart infrastructure.Solenoid switches regulate the passage of electricity between power sources and devices, acting as efficient circuit activators and protectors. They enable or interrupt current flow, preventing overloads and optimizing energy use.The automotive sector utilizes solenoids for engine management, fuel injection, braking systems, and transmission control. They also appear in household appliances, aerospace equipment, home automation, etc.Proportional solenoid valves provide precise, variable control of flow rates, making them essential in pneumatic systems, process automation, and applications requiring accurate pressure, level, or temperature regulation.An efficient solenoid valve to considerSMC Series SZ3000 Solenoid ValveThe SMC Series SZ3000 5 Port Solenoid Valve, as shown in Fig. 2, is one of the most efficient solenoid valves. The valve operates on just 0.6 W power consumption (25 mA at 24 VDC), making it significantly more energy-efficient than standard solenoid valves. With a 10-ms response time at 0.5 MPa, the valve provides rapid actuation that enhances system precision and cycle times without sacrificing energy efficiency.Rated for over 50 million operational cycles, this valve delivers extraordinary longevity, reducing maintenance requirements and replacement costs over the system's lifespan. The cassette-type manifold design allows for easy valve replacement without disrupting the entire pneumatic system, minimizing downtime during maintenance.Fig. 2 SZ3000, 5 Port Solenoid Valve Source: SMCWith a manifold height of just 43.5 mm (including DIN rail), the SZ3000 offers space-saving installation while providing full functionality. Available in 2-position, 3-position, and 4-position configurations with various actuation types, the valve adapts to diverse application requirements while maintaining efficiency.These features combine to make the SMC Series SZ3000 (part number SZ3160-5LOZ-C6 for single solenoid or SZ3260-5LOZ-C6 for double solenoid configuration) one of the most efficient and versatile solenoid valve options available for industrial pneumatic applications.Summarizing the Key PointsSolenoids convert electrical energy into mechanical motion, featuring simple design, high reliability, and fast response, making them important in automation and control systems.On-off solenoids operate in binary states, either opening or closing valves, suitable for simple tasks like switches, locks, and circuit manipulation in various industries.Proportional solenoids provide precise, variable control by adjusting current, essential for applications requiring accurate positioning, such as flow regulation and pressure control.Energy-efficient solenoid valves like SMC Series SZ3000 consume minimal power, respond rapidly, and have high durability, reducing maintenance and enhancing system performance.Applications of solenoids include automotive, aerospace, home automation, and industrial systems, where they automate fluid flow, switching, and positioning tasks for enhanced efficiency.ReferenceDüzgün, E., & Şefkat, G. (2024). The Design and Analysis of a Proportional Solenoid with Experimental Validation of Static and Dynamic Behavior. Applied Sciences, 14(24), 11990. https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411990Song, C., & Lee, S. (2015). Design of a Solenoid Actuator with a Magnetic Plunger for Miniaturized Segment Robots. Applied Sciences, 5(3), 595–607. https://doi.org/10.3390/app5030595Wang, S., Weng, Z., & Jin, B. (2020). A performance improvement strategy for Solenoid Electromagnetic actuator in servo proportional valve. Applied Sciences, 10(12), 4352. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10124352The Engineering Mindset. (2019, March 25). Solenoid Basics Explained - working principle [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbmocfETTFoMEP Academy. (2023, February 8). How solenoid valves work [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVVIkQQbSHsSZ3160-5LOZ-C6-https://www.kynix.com/productdetails/33406400/smccorporation/sz31605lozc6.htmlSZ3260-5LOZ-C6-https://www.kynix.com/productdetails/60300474/smccorporation/sz32605lozc6.html

Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a flexible wearable sensor that can accurately measure a person's blood alcohol level from sweat and transmit the data wirelessly to a laptop, smartphone or other mobile device. The device can be worn on the skin and could be used by doctors and police officers for continuous, non-invasive and real-time monitoring of blood alcohol content.The device consists of a temporary tattoo—which sticks to the skin, induces sweat and electrochemically detects the alcohol level—and a portable flexible electronic circuit board, which is connected to the tattoo by a magnet and can communicate the information to a mobile device via Bluetooth. The work, led by nanoengineering professor Joseph Wang and electrical engineering professor Patrick Mercier, both at UC San Diego, was published recently in the journal ACS Sensors."Lots of accidents on the road are caused by drunk driving. This technology provides an accurate, convenient and quick way to monitor alcohol consumption to help prevent people from driving while intoxicated," Wang said. The device could be integrated with a car's alcohol ignition interlocks, or friends could use it to check up on each other before handing over the car keys, he added."When you're out at a party or at a bar, this sensor could send alerts to your phone to let you know how much you've been drinking," said Jayoung Kim, a materials science and engineering PhD student in Wang's group and one of the paper's co-first authors.Blood alcohol concentration is the most accurate indicator of a person's alcohol level, but measuring it requires pricking a finger. Breathalyzers, which are the most commonly used devices to indirectly estimate blood alcohol concentration, are non-invasive, but they can give false readouts. For example, the alcohol level detected in a person's breath right after taking a drink would typically appear higher than that person's actual blood alcohol concentration. A person could also fool a breathalyzer into detecting a lower alcohol level by using mouthwash.Recent research has shown that blood alcohol concentration can also be estimated by measuring alcohol levels in what's called insensible sweat—perspiration that happens before it's perceived as moisture on the skin. But this measurement can be up to two hours behind the actual blood alcohol reading. On the other hand, the alcohol level in sensible sweat—the sweat that's typically seen—is a better real-time indicator of the blood alcohol concentration, but so far the systems that can measure this are neither portable nor fit for wearing on the body.Now, UC San Diego researchers have developed an alcohol sensor that's wearable, portable and could accurately monitor alcohol level in sweat within 15 minutes."What's also innovative about this technology is that the wearer doesn't need to be exercising or sweating already. The user can put on the patch and within a few minutes get a reading that's well correlated to his or her blood alcohol concentration. Such a device hasn't been available until now," Mercier said.How it worksWang and Mercier, the director and co-director, respectively, of the UC San Diego Center for Wearable Sensors, collaborated to develop the device. Wang's group fabricated the tattoo, equipped with screen-printed electrodes and a small hydrogel patch containing pilocarpine, a drug that passes through the skin and induces sweat.Mercier's group developed the printed flexible electronic circuit board that powers the tattoo and can communicate wirelessly with a mobile device. His team also developed the magnetic connector that attaches the electronic circuit board to the tattoo, as well as the device's phone app."This device can use a Bluetooth connection, which is something a breathalyzer can't do. We've found a way to make the electronics portable and wireless, which are important for practical, real-life use," said Somayeh Imani, an electrical engineering PhD student in Mercier's lab and a co-first author on the paper.The tattoo works first by releasing pilocarpine to induce sweat. Then, the sweat comes into contact with an electrode coated with alcohol oxidase, an enzyme that selectively reacts with alcohol to generate hydrogen peroxide, which is electrochemically detected. That information is sent to the electronic circuit board as electrical signals. The data are communicated wirelessly to a mobile device.Putting the tattoo to the testResearchers tested the alcohol sensor on 9 healthy volunteers who wore the tattoo on their arms before and after consuming an alcoholic beverage (either a bottle of beer or glass of red wine). The readouts accurately reflected the wearers' blood alcohol concentrations.The device also gave accurate readouts even after repeated bending and shaking. This shows that the sensor won't be affected by the wearer's movements, researchers said.As a next step, the team is developing a device that could continuously monitor alcohol levels for 24 hours. Provided by: University of California - San Diego  

To help detect and prevent possible incidents at critical facilities and public venues, Intel technology is powering a face recognition engine that can rapidly and accurately identify people, even when they are moving and in a crowd. NEC relied on Intel Arria 10 field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) operating on Intel Xeon processor–based servers to increase the performance of its NEC NeoFace facial recognition engine to a level where an individual can be identified smoothly from a high-resolution image with dozens of faces.  “Facial recognition in a moving crowd requires highly advanced techniques when compared to still images because these cameras are affected by many factors: camera location, image quality and lighting, along with the subject’s size, walking speed and face direction,” said Tadashige Kadoi, general manager of IoT Platform Development Division, NEC. “Intel FPGAs and their parallel processing capability help NEC to enable fast and accurate collection and processing of images from even 4K high-resolution remote cameras.” Intel FPGA acceleration technology played a role in a recent achievement for NEC. In March, NEC NeoFace was ranked Number 1 in almost all tests by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) specifically for face-in-video evaluation. The NIST tests evaluated the accuracy of the technology in two real-life test scenarios including a test for entry-exit management at an airport passenger gate. It determined whether and how well the engine could recognise people as they walked through an area one at a time without stopping or looking at the camera. NEC's face recognition technology won first place with a matching accuracy of 99.2%. The error rate of 0.8% is less than one-fourth of the second place error rate. In the second test, the technology was asked to detect suspicious individuals at an indoor stadium. This test was conducted with an individual situated far from the camera, with their face direction changing frequently. NEC's face recognition technology won first place with an error rate half that of the second place error rate. To create the NeoFace Accelerator, NEC’s NeoFace facial recognition engine software IP is integrated into an Intel Arria 10 FPGA, keeping the same accuracy level while achieving higher performance in facial recognition than the previous solution. Intel teams also worked with NEC to enhance the performance of NeoFace data centre server technology. NEC NeoFace Accelerator includes not only the Intel Arria 10 FPGA, but also an Intel MAX 10 low-cost FPGA and Intel Enpirion power devices. Ref.KY32-EP1S60B956C6KY32-EP4CGX150DF27I7 

From November 13th to 16th in 2018, the Electronica Munich 2018, the biggest International Exhibition of electronic components,modules and systems will be held this year in Messe München Exhibition Center. As an exhibitor of the exhibiton, Kynix Semiconductor sincerely invites you to visit this exhibition. It is believed that you can have a better understanding of our company and we can form a stabler partnership.Following are some information about the exhibition.Electronica Munich 2018OverviewWorld's largest industry gathering with contacts at the highest level. After expanding by one hall in 2016, Electronica is continuing to grow, and will fill 17 halls for the first time in 2018. And the range of exhibits at electronica covers technologies, products and solutions in the entire electronics industry. The trade fair presents industry trends and, in doing so, helps visitors stay oriented on the electronics industry's global market. Electronica's visitors represent nearly all consumer segments and user branches of industry.Electronica Munich 2018  Exhibit areas:ICM—Internatioales Congress Center München, GermanyTheme:Connecting everything-smart, safe & secureVenue:Messe München exhibition center, Munich, GermanyOrganizer:   Messe München GmbH | Messegel?nde | 81823 München              Tel. +49 89 949-11458 | Fax +49 89 949-11459              Info@electronica.deDate:  November 13th-16th, 2018.Opening Time:Tuesday-Thursday: 09:00-18:00    Friday: 09:00-17:00Our Booth Number: C4. 229-3/4 Electronica Map Exhibition SectorsAutomotiveTest and measurementDisplaysMicro- and nanosystemsElectromechanics/System peripheryPassive componentsElectronic design (ED/EDA)SensorsEmbedded systemsServicesEMS Electronic manufacturing servicesPower suppliesSemiconductorsSystem components/Assemblies and subsystemsPCBs and other circuit carriersWirelessFamous Exhibitors  About KynixKynix Semiconductor has founded over 10 years since 2008. These 10 years have witnessed our company's trials of becoming a better and better distributor and supplier in electronic components industry.In 2009, our company established the International Sales Department and became members of TBF and HKInventory. In 2010, we established cooperative relationships with accredited testing organizations like CECCLab, White Horse Lab, AAA...In 2013, we established a strategic partnership with dozens of well-known electronic components manufacturers including TI.In 2015,we reached an electronic components supply strategic partnership with Foxconn.Also ,our B2B trading platform was launched officially,whose members have exceeded 15,000 in 2017. Our partners in electronics field have increased to 700 up to now.In 2017, We attended Korea Electronic Show(KES), we won a lot of new partners and opened up kynix’s world market.After-sales ServicesGuranteeEach product from Kynix has been given a warranty period of 1 YEAR . During this period , we could provide free technical maintenance if there are any problems about our products.If you find quality problems about our products after receiving them , you could test them and apply for unconditional refund if it can be proved.But it's just on this premise that the product is not used and the packing is not damaged.Commitment to QualityKynix has always been laying emphasis on the quality of its products and maintaining a sound cooperative relation with electronic components manufacturers since its founding. It has been conducting quality-monitoring system following the rigid rules in terms of the quality of the product, delivery, and it's after-sales service.  It is claimed by Kynix that all products sold are 100% authentic. Each product has been tested carefully before being sent to the customer. It is our aim to be responsible for our customers and make them satisfactory.Electronica 2018 showcases the electronics industry's entire range of technologies, trends, products and solutions. Stop by the Kynix Semiconductor stand to discover the newest products and technologies to support your design and prototyping needs. Come and see how we're engineering plenty of fun at this year's leading trade fair for electronic components, systems and applications. The 2018 EXPO ELECTRONICA We have atteneded:From Apr. 17th to 19th in 2018, the EXPO ELECTRONICA,the 21st International Exhibition of electronic components,modules and systems  held in CROCUS EXPO,MOSCOW,RUSSIA. As an exhibitor of the exhibiton, Kynix Semiconductor invited to join this great exhibition. It is believed that you can have a better understanding of our company and we can form a stabler partnership. The EXPO ELECTRONICA is a big party for electronic companyies and comsumers, also a good chance to make friends with all over the world people.The 2017 Electronic Show We have atteneded: In 2017,we attened the Korean Electronic Show which held from 17 October to 20th October 2017 at the COEX Korea Exhibition Center in Seoul, Korea. Under the theme--Where the Creative Things are, there are more well-known exhibitors such as UNION SEIMITSU CO., LTD.; SILICONE VALLEY CO., LTD.; SANYO DENKI (THAILAND) CO.,LTD.; MORNSUN took part in KES.ContactIf you have any questions, please contact us through our emails! Hope the exhibition finishes perfectly! We will be there and waiting for your coming!Tel:00852-81928838    Email:info@kynix.com 

 Inside a secretive AI nonprofit backed by Elon Musk and other Silicon Valley figures, a handful of robots designed to help out in warehouses are gradually learning how to do useful household chores.OpenAI, which was created to do basic AI research, is reprogramming robots developed by Fetch Robotics, a company that supplies warehouse automation hardware. Researchers at OpenAI are equipping the robots with software that lets them train themselves through trial and error.The effort reflects a bet that innovations in software and machine learning, rather than breakthroughs in hardware, are the way to give robotics remarkable new capabilities. Fetch makes a range of robots for warehouses, including systems that follow workers around a building, carrying items dropped into a basket. OpenAI is using a system that features a mobile base but also 3-D depth sensors, a 2-D laser scanner, and a robotic arm with seven degrees of freedom.In April, OpenAI recruited Pieter Abbeel, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and a leading expert on robot learning. Abbeel has shown how robots can use a machine-learning approach called deep reinforcement learning to acquire completely new skills that would be hard to program by hand, such as folding towels or retrieving items from a refrigerator. Google DeepMind, an AI subsidiary based in the U.K., uses this technique to get computers to play computer games at a superhuman level.Abbeel’s robots learn tasks from scratch, using a neural network that receives sensor input and controls physical movement. The network adjusts its parameters automatically as it inches closer to its goal. A robot might try thousands of grips, for instance, in the process of learning how to hold a certain object.“If this goal can be achieved, then there will be economic and industrial benefits,” says Marc Deisenroth, an expert on reinforcement learning at Imperial College London. “Imagine a Roomba not only cleaning your floor but also doing the dishes, ironing the shirts, cleaning the windows, preparing breakfast.”Deisenroth says using off-the-shelf robots could drive costs down. “Currently, the software seems to be the bottleneck,” he adds. “However, independent of this, better hardware could also lead to substantial improvements.” Soft manipulators and elastic feet similar to a monkey’s feet are concepts that researchers have started working on, he says.Some manufacturers, including the Japanese company Fanuc, are testing reinforcement learning as a way to train industrial robots quickly in new tasks such as learning to grasp unfamiliar objects. When many robots work in parallel, the training time required is reduced accordingly . Robot researchers at Google are testing similar learning techniques.“Moving away from having to program robots by hand by endowing robots to learn autonomously is a key element for the future of robotics,” says Jens Kober, an expert on robot learning at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Kober says having robots share the information they have learned will be crucial.While robots such as those made by Fetch are finding their way into many factories and warehouses, domestic robot helpers remain the stuff of science fiction. Performing seemingly simple tasks like washing dishes or folding laundry in a messy home setting is incredibly hard for a machine. A robot programmed the conventional way can easily be thrown off by an unfamiliar object or a slight variation in lighting.OpenAI confirmed that it is working with the robots from Fetch, but it declined to comment further. Melonee Wise, the company’s founder, couldn’t be reached for comment.OpenAI was created by Musk and a handful of well-known (and well-heeled) Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, including investor Peter Thiel, Y Combinator president Sam Altman, and the incubator’s cofounder Jessica Livingston. The nonprofit’s backers have committed $1 billion in funding to the project, and it is being led by Ilya Sutskever, a prominent AI researcher who left Google to join the project, and Greg Brockman, an early employee at the high-profile digital payment company Stripe.While OpenAI has committed to making the technology it develops publicly available, it could certainly benefit companies backed by Musk and Thiel, as well as those emerging from Y Combinator.Produced by Will Knight