What's still missing in the Astra era: spatial grounding is not dynamics grounding
chris_j_paxton · x · 2026-10-21
Prompted by Astra demos, the author argues robotics research still needs dynamics-grounded controllers (System 0), not just faster spatial grounding.
- Faster inference (efforts toward 50 Hz) cannot replace learning from a robot's own actions and physical feedback — spatial grounding ≠ dynamics grounding.
- Current S0 is insufficient too: blind free-space tracking doesn't teach control of coupled robot–object dynamics.
- Stronger S1/2 demands stronger S0: richer interaction intent calls for greater interaction competence and more expressive interfaces for Astra to steer physical interaction.
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