INSAIT model gives robots unprecedented 3D spatial intelligence

The Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) at Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’ has released SPEAR-1, an open-source AI model that gives industrial robots 3D spatial intelligence. The technology is open-access, available for researchers and companies worldwide, free of charge.

“This is a major step toward a future where robots will be part of our homes, factories and cities,” the institute said. The announcement has already attracted attention in leading global publications, with forecasts suggesting the technology could trigger significant shifts in robotics on a global scale.

“The release sends shockwaves through a market where billions are at stake. SPEAR-1 performs nearly as well as Pi-0.5 from Physical Intelligence, the billion-dollar startup that's been hoarding similar capabilities behind closed doors,” The Tech Buzz online edition comments.

Until now, such precise robotic models have been developed only by multi-billion-dollar companies, many of which keep their know-how closely guarded. Opening the model to the world could give a major boost to the development of robots capable of navigating and interacting with their surroundings with unprecedented efficiency.

With SPEAR-1, INSAIT is reinforcing Europe’s role as a leading centre for innovation in robotics and 3D computation. The project was led by Nikolay Nikolov, Giuliano Albanese, Sombit Dey, Alexandar Yanev, Prof. Luc Van Gool, Dr. Jan-Nico Zaech, and Dr. Danda Paudel.