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FrodoBots and Yield Guild Games have partnered to gamify AI and robotics research with the Earth Rover Challenge event.
Singapore-based FrodoBots, known for its robotic technology, has collaborated with Web3 guild Yield Guild Games to introduce the inaugural AI vs. Human: Earth Rover Challenge.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Embodied AI research, merging robotics and gaming to crowdsource real-world data for AI development. The competition will engage human drivers remotely operating RC cars to generate data sets crucial for AI navigation.
The competition, co-organized with researchers from Google Deepmind and other institutes, will occur during IROS 2024 in Abu Dhabi, showcasing 5 AI teams and 5 human gamers remotely controlling sidewalk robots in various cities.
An “AI vs Humans” Competition
The Earth Rover Challenge features 5 AI teams from top research labs and human gamers selected from YGG’s player base. Participants will navigate real-world missions across multiple cities, providing valuable data for AI advancements.
“At FrodoBots, we believe in the fusion of robotics and gaming to revolutionize Embodied AI research,” said Michael Cho, CEO of FrodoBots. “Our goal is to make impactful contributions by collecting real-world datasets through robotic gaming experiences.”
The partnership aims to showcase the potential of robotic gaming for large-scale teleoperation data collection, contributing to advancements in AI and robotics. YGG’s Web3 gamers will participate, driving small RC sidewalk robots to enable self-driving technology.
Gaming and the New Gig Economy
FrodoBots and YGG’s collaboration advances the gaming-enabled gig economy, utilizing rewards and Web3 tokens to incentivize players. The competition fosters community engagement, showcasing gaming’s potential impact on AI development and robotics research.
“This collaboration epitomizes the Future of Work, demonstrating how web3 gaming can contribute to AI and robotics advancements while ensuring a fun gaming experience,” said Beryl Li, YGG’s cofounder. “YGG’s diverse network of gamers will be vital for success in this unique competition.”
The competition will challenge AI teams to mimic human drivers’ real-world navigation skills, fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment for driving data-driven AI models.
Advancing AI Robotics Research
As part of the competition, FrodoBots has released a 2,000-hour driving dataset and provided AI teams access to its global fleet of robots for evaluation under real-world conditions. This collaboration aims to assess the capabilities of AI models and human drivers in varied environments.
The Earth Rover Challenge presents a unique opportunity for researchers to test AI models’ ability to operate in challenging urban settings, enhancing the progress of autonomous AI technologies.
Michael Cho, CEO of FrodoBots, highlighted the competition’s innovative approach to robotics and gaming, creating a platform for meaningful contributions to Embodied AI research through data collection and human-AI competitions.
Origins
FrodoBots’ journey began during the pandemic, with CEO Michael Cho and his team developing affordable self-driving robot cars that drive real-world data collection. The company’s focus on merging gaming and robotics resulted in the creation of a unique robotic gaming experience.
The affordable yet robust RC cars allow for safe and engaging gaming experiences, attracting a global community of players and researchers interested in the intersection of robotics and gaming.
Game Thinking
Originally focusing on data collection, FrodoBots discovered the potential for a gamified driving experience, leading to the creation of a fun and engaging robotic gaming platform. The community-driven approach and rewards system encourage active participation and innovation in the gaming space.
Players are incentivized with points and rewards, fostering a competitive spirit while contributing to real-world AI and robotics research. The innovative combination of gaming and robotics has garnered global attention, showcasing the potential for interactive and immersive gaming experiences.
Taking Care of the Small RC Cars
FrodoBots ensures the safety and maintenance of its small RC cars, which are designed for data collection and gaming experiences. The company’s focus on robust and reliable hardware allows for immersive remote driving and data generation in real-world environments.
The cars are carefully managed by local teams in each city, ensuring prompt maintenance and charging to enable continuous operation. With a slow speed limit and durability features, the cars offer a safe and engaging platform for human drivers and AI researchers alike.
The Humans vs. AI Competition
The Humans vs. AI competition will feature 5 AI teams and 5 human gamers remotely controlling
