ByteDance’s new AI robot can fold laundry and clear tables

scmp.com
scmp.com

TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has developed a robotic system powered by artificial intelligence that can perform household chores such as folding clothes and cleaning tables.

The system uses a vision-language-action model called GR-3, which enables the robot to follow spoken instructions and complete general tasks.

In tests, the robot- named ByteMini was able to hang shirts, place items in specific spots, and distinguish between objects, like picking up the “larger plate” on command. It also demonstrated the ability to clean a dining table.

ByteDance’s Seed department, launched in 2023 to lead its AI and large language model efforts, trained GR-3 using image and text data, as well as human actions in virtual reality and real-world robot behaviour.

The development comes as ByteDance faces mounting pressure in the United States, where officials are calling for the company to sell its American TikTok assets. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Americans must control the technology and algorithm, warning that without a sale, TikTok could soon be banned in the country.

Tags