Abstract: Systems and techniques are described related to training one or more machine learning models for use in control of a robot. In at least one embodiment, one or more machine learning models are trained based at least on simulations of the robot and renderings of such simulations—which may be performed using one or more ray tracing algorithms, operations, or techniques.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method for controlling a robot includes performing a plurality of simulations of a robot interacting with one or more objects represented by one or more signed distance functions (SDFs), where performing the plurality of simulations comprises reducing a number of contacts between the one or more objects that are being simulated, and updating one or more parameters of a machine learning model based on the plurality of simulations to generate a trained machine learning model.

Abstract: Candidate grasping models of a deformable object are applied to generate a simulation of a response of the deformable object to the grasping model. From the simulation, grasp performance metrics for stress, deformation controllability, and instability of the response to the grasping model are obtained, and the grasp performance metrics are correlated with robotic grasp features.

Abstract: A technique for training a neural network, including generating a plurality of input vectors based on a first plurality of task demonstrations associated with a first robot performing a first task in a simulated environment, wherein each input vector included in the plurality of input vectors specifies a sequence of poses of an end-effector of the first robot, and training the neural network to generate a plurality of output vectors based on the plurality of input vectors. Another technique for generating a task demonstration, including generating a simulated environment that includes a robot and at least one object, causing the robot to at least partially perform a task associated with the at least one object within the simulated environment based on a first output vector generated by a trained neural network, and recording demonstration data of the robot at least partially performing the task within the simulated environment.

Abstract: A technique for training a neural network, including generating a plurality of input vectors based on a first plurality of task demonstrations associated with a first robot performing a first task in a simulated environment, wherein each input vector included in the plurality of input vectors specifies a sequence of poses of an end-effector of the first robot, and training the neural network to generate a plurality of output vectors based on the plurality of input vectors. Another technique for generating a task demonstration, including generating a simulated environment that includes a robot and at least one object, causing the robot to at least partially perform a task associated with the at least one object within the simulated environment based on a first output vector generated by a trained neural network, and recording demonstration data of the robot at least partially performing the task within the simulated environment.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and techniques to model a tactile force sensor. In at least one embodiment, output of tactile sensor is predicted from a modeled force and shape imposed on the sensor. In at least one embodiment, a shape of the surface of the tactile sensor is determined based at least in part on electrical signals received from the sensor.

Abstract: Candidate grasping models of a deformable object are applied to generate a simulation of a response of the deformable object to the grasping model. From the simulation, grasp performance metrics for stress, deformation controllability, and instability of the response to the grasping model are obtained, and the grasp performance metrics are correlated with robotic grasp features.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and techniques to identify at least one physical characteristic of materials from computer simulations of manipulations of materials. In at least one embodiment, physical characteristics are determined by comparing measured statistics of observed manipulations to simulations of manipulations using a simulator trained with a likelihood-free inference engine.