Ken Goldberg Coins "Variational Automation" to Define Robotics' Middle Ground

ZeeshanZiaML · x · 2026-11-13

Ken Goldberg introduced the term "Variational Automation," distinguishing it from traditional fixed automation on one end and fully open-ended manipulation outside any fixed cell on the other. Zeeshan Zia notes that having an explicit term for this middle ground will make life much easier for entrepreneurs, investors, and customers evaluating robotics startups.

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