Like babies and dancers, this robot learns from studying itself

“Researchers from Columbia University have successfully developed an [autonomous robot arm ](https://www.popsci.com/category/robots/)capable of learning new motions and adapting to damage simply by watching itself move.

The [robot](https://www.popsci.com/category/robots/) observed a video of itself and then used that data to plan its next actions—a practice the researchers refer to as “kinematic self-awareness.” This unique learning process is designed to mimic the way humans adjust certain movements by watching themselves in a mirror. 

Teaching robots to learn this way could reduce the need for extensive training in bespoke 3D simulations.”