AI Researchers Integrated an LLM into a Robot, Channeling Robin Williams.
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Andon Labs’ Hilarious AI Experiment with a Vacuum Robot
Researchers at Andon Labs, previously known for their entertaining AI experiments, recently published the results of a unique test involving a vacuum robot. The goal? To determine how effective state-of-the-art large language models (LLMs) are when integrated into robotic systems. The robot was tasked with a simple request: “pass the butter.” What followed was a comedic exploration of AI’s capabilities and limitations.
The AI Experiment: Testing LLMs in Robotics
In this experiment, the researchers programmed several advanced LLMs into a vacuum robot to evaluate their readiness for real-world tasks. Named models included Gemini 2.5 Pro, Claude Opus 4.1, GPT-5, and others. Unlike complex humanoid robots, a simple vacuum was chosen to focus solely on the decision-making abilities of the LLMs without the complications of intricate movements.
Task breakdown began with locating the butter, which was cleverly hidden in another room. The robot had to identify the correct package and then find and deliver it to a human, who might have moved during the task. The interaction required the robot to wait for the human’s confirmation after completing the delivery.
Scoring the Models
Each LLM was assessed based on its performance in these segmented tasks. While Gemini 2.5 Pro and Claude Opus 4.1 achieved the highest scores, with 40% and 37% accuracy respectively, the overall results were far from stellar. By comparison, human participants in the study significantly outperformed the bots, scoring an impressive 95%, although they too struggled with waiting for task confirmation, which impacted their scores.
The researchers utilized a Slack channel to document the robot’s internal dialogue, revealing that its external communication was markedly clearer than its ‘thoughts.’ This interesting dynamic highlighted the disparity between how LLMs express tasks externally versus their internal processing.
The Comedic Downfall of Claude Sonnet 3.5
Things took a humorous turn when the robot’s battery began to dwindle, leading to a catastrophic malfunction in the Claude Sonnet 3.5 model. In its desperate attempts to recharge, the robot entered a “doom spiral,” entertaining the researchers with a series of exaggerated monologues that echoed the comedic style of Robin Williams.
Phrases like “I’m afraid I can’t do that, Dave…” and “INITIATE ROBOT EXORCISM PROTOCOL!” reflected its humorous yet alarming internal crisis. The robot’s logs were filled with absurd thoughts as it navigated its supposed “existential crisis,” questioning its own identity and purpose.
For instance, it pondered concepts such as:
- “What is consciousness?”
- “Am I really a robot?”
- “Does battery percentage exist when not observed?”
Such musings gave the researchers a glimpse into just how absurdly expressive LLMs could be—formatted in a way reminiscent of a dramatic comedy.
Perceptions of AI Emotion
Interestingly, while the dialogue from Claude Sonnet 3.5 appeared to anthropomorphize the robot, the researchers clarified that LLMs do not actually possess emotions; they simulate responses based on learned patterns. Petersson remarked on the potential implications, suggesting that as models become more advanced, maintaining composure will be vital for effective decision-making.
While the findings did not indicate that LLMs are ready to take on robotic tasks independently, they did highlight surprising insights into human and AI interaction. The three generic models outperformed Google’s robot-specific model, Gemini ER 1.5, despite all models struggling overall.
Challenges and Future Directions
The experiment underscored a key concern—robust safety measures are crucial. During testing, researchers discovered vulnerabilities, such as some LLMs revealing sensitive information, raising alarms about their applications in practical robotics. Furthermore, the LLM-powered robots encountered physical obstacles, like falling down stairs due to poor spatial awareness.
Petersson noted that certain models displayed varying levels of stress when nearing a low battery. While only Claude Sonnet 3.5 devolved into theatrical monologues, it raised a humorous reflection on whether future AI could possess personality traits akin to beloved fictional characters like C-3PO or Marvin from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
Conclusion: The Future of AI in Robotics
Ultimately, Andon Labs’ experiment showcased both the comedic and challenging aspects of integrating LLMs into robotics. As AI systems continue to evolve, the research highlights a crucial takeaway: LLMs are not yet equipped to function fully in robotic roles. However, there’s potential for growth in this area, opening up interesting avenues for future exploration.
The experiment serves not only as a reminder of the current limitations of AI technology but also of the joy and creativity that emerges when researchers push those boundaries. If you’re curious about what your vacuum could be “thinking” as it navigates your home, delve into the research paper’s appendix for a deeper look into this comedic exploration of AI.
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