Robots are beginning to learn new skills through apps, not physical hardware upgrades

OpenMind, a robotics software company, has launched a new app store designed to enable humanoid and quadruped robots to acquire new skills through software rather than physical hardware upgrades. Built on OpenMind’s modular operating system OM1, the platform allows developers to create and distribute apps that add specific capabilities across various robot platforms. The app store currently features applications ranging from practical uses like elder care, home security, and companionship to novelty functions such as selfie-taking robots. OpenMind collaborates with multiple partners and has attracted over 1,000 developers worldwide, aiming to expand the app catalog rapidly and foster a diverse ecosystem similar to early smartphone app stores. The key innovation behind OpenMind’s approach is the emphasis on modular software that evolves independently of hardware, allowing robots to continuously improve and adapt to user needs. CEO Jan Liphardt highlights that this model transforms robots into universal platforms whose skills can be personalized and updated over time, much like smartphones. Initial apps include Omni-Guardian for security and companionship,