19. 04. 2025 | Natalie Bezděková

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A team of engineers at Duke University is working on a breakthrough that could reshape the way we interact with robotics. Their new system, called Text2Robot, allows users to create fully functional robot prototypes simply by describing them in everyday language—no programming or engineering expertise required.

Imagine typing: “I want a six-legged robot that can walk across rocky ground,” and within 24 hours, receiving a 3D-printable design that has already been simulated, optimized, and adapted for real-world use. That’s precisely what Text2Robot promises. The tool operates through a multi-stage AI-driven process that:

• Converts natural language into a detailed 3D model,

• Simulates the robot’s movement and interaction with its environment,

• Automatically refines the design for stability and functionality,

• And ensures the robot can be built using readily available components and a standard 3D printer.

This system eliminates traditional barriers in robotics, such as the need for advanced technical knowledge in areas like mechanical engineering, AI, and coding. In doing so, it brings robot development into the hands of a much broader audience—from hobbyists and students to teachers and inventors.

Text2Robot is already attracting global attention. It won first place at the 2024 Virtual Creatures Competition and is set to be officially presented at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) in May 2025. The research community is hailing the tool as a major step toward democratizing robotics, in the same way graphical user interfaces once revolutionized personal computing.

Although still in the developmental phase, the implications are significant. The technology could enable individuals or small teams to create customized robots for household tasks, education, agriculture, search and rescue, or entertainment, simply by describing what they need the robot to do.

This new paradigm—going from plain text to functioning hardware—is not just a technical feat, but a vision of the future where robotic innovation is no longer locked behind coding skills or corporate R&D budgets.

Photo source: www.pexels.com

Natalie Bezděková

I am a student of Master's degree in Political Science. I am interested in marketing, especially copywriting and social media. I also focus on political and social events at home and abroad and technological innovations. My free time is filled with sports, reading and a passion for travel.