An AI-powered robot named CyberRunner has set a world record by beating humans in a classic marble maze game. Designed by ETH professor Raffaello D’Andrea and his PhD student Thomas Bi, the robot achieved an impressive feat that left even the most skilled human players in awe.
Using a standard Brio Labyrinth and a desktop workstation, the researchers made a few modifications to the game setup. They added two motors to control the maze’s knobs and incorporated an overhead camera so that CyberRunner could see its surroundings. The goal was simple: navigate the maze, guiding the ball from start to finish in the shortest possible time while avoiding the treacherous holes.
Before the challenge began, the researchers made one thing clear to CyberRunner – taking shortcuts or cheating in any form was prohibited. With this understanding, they gave the robot five hours to practice its skills.
The impressive result was captured in a captivating video, which quickly spread on YouTube. CyberRunner masterfully maneuvered through the maze, completing the task in a remarkable time of just 14.48 seconds. This achievement surpassed the previous world record of 15.95 seconds, set in 2011 by Lars-Goran Danielsson of Sweden, according to recordsetter.com (as Guinness does not have an official record for this category).
The success of CyberRunner highlights the tremendous advancements made in the field of artificial intelligence. The robot’s ability to outperform human players in a game that has remained unchanged for 77 years is a testament to the rapid evolution of technology.
In an interview, Professor Raffaello D’Andrea expressed his excitement about CyberRunner’s achievement. He stated, We are thrilled with the robot’s performance. It demonstrates the tremendous potential of AI in solving complex problems and outperforming human capabilities.
Thomas Bi, the PhD student who collaborated on the project, explained the significance of the record-breaking feat. He said, Our aim was not just to beat the world record; it was to push the boundaries of what AI-powered robots can achieve. CyberRunner’s success opens up new opportunities for applications in various fields, from gaming to automation.
This achievement is not only a victory for the researchers but also a significant milestone for the AI community as a whole. The rapid progress of AI technology continues to reshape our world, with robots like CyberRunner showcasing the immense possibilities that lie ahead.
The groundbreaking accomplishment of CyberRunner in the classic marble maze game serves as a powerful reminder of the relentless march of technology. As AI continues to advance, we can expect even more astonishing feats from machines like CyberRunner, propelling us into a future where the line between human and machine capabilities becomes increasingly blurred.
