Seeing Machines launches Physical AI Platform for humanoid robotics

Canberra-based Seeing Machines has launched a Physical AI Platform aimed at giving humanoid and industrial robots contextual awareness of the people and environments around them, drawing on more than 25 years of human factors research behind its vehicle driver-monitoring technology.

The platform creates a dynamic three-dimensional perception map of people, objects and surroundings, enabling robots to interpret spatial relationships, anticipate risk and make decisions in real time rather than simply recognising individual features.

Seeing Machines' existing driver and occupant monitoring system (DMS/OMS) technology is deployed in more than eight million vehicles globally. The company said the Physical AI Platform applies the same 'Human-Centred AI' design philosophy to robotics and industrial automation.

Target sectors include manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, aged care, warehousing, mining and industrial automation - industries where robots are increasingly expected to work alongside people, Seeing Machines stated.

"Our technology is already protecting millions of drivers around the world by enabling vehicles to better understand human behaviour and respond to risk in real time. With the launch of our Physical AI Platform we are extending that capability into robotics, enabling machines to interact with people safely, naturally and intuitively," said Paul McGlone, chief executive officer of Seeing Machines.

"As robots begin moving beyond research labs and into factories, workplaces, hospitals, homes and public spaces, understanding people and the environment they’re in becomes just as important as understanding the task they're performing. We believe our Human-Centred AI design philosophy will extend into a foundational capability for the next generation of robotics."

The company is headquartered in Canberra and has operations across North America, Europe and Asia.