OpenMind, a robotics software company, has launched a new robot app store designed to let humanoid and quadruped robots gain new skills and abilities, El.kz reports citing Interesting Engineering.

The platform is live now and aims to eventually host thousands of apps that can expand the capabilities of robots beyond their built-in hardware.

“Computers and phones come with an operating system to provide the basics, but the real magic is the ability for everyone to personalize their phones and computers through apps and programs,” said Jan Liphardt, founder and CEO of OpenMind.

 “That’s how generic hardware comes to life and becomes your phone and your laptop. Your humanoid will be no different: thousands of apps, each representing skills from nursing and math education to cleaning and home safety, will give you almost unlimited choices.”

Current apps cover a range of practical and experimental functions, from companionship, elder care, and home security to novelty apps like selfie-taking robots. The company expects the quality and complexity of apps to grow over time, similar to the early days of smartphone app stores.

Modular software drives robots

The platform emphasizes that software can evolve independently of hardware, enabling robots to learn new tasks and improve over time.

Liphardt said, “Robots need a skill and cognition layer that evolves faster than hardware. The App Store is how robots become universal platforms whose skills can change over time to fit your needs.”

OpenMind’s initial app catalog includes Omni-Guardian, which turns a robot into a companion and sentry capable of detecting intruders; Nova, which listens, sees, and moves to assist with daily tasks; WALL-E, which monitors digital assets and social feeds; Luckandroll OM1, enabling robots to interact with humans and coordinate with other robots; and Guardian, which can follow a user and take selfies.