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Friction is key to making better robot world models

Friction modeling is the critical missing link for deploying robotic world models in reality. While researchers focus heavily on the neural architectures of world models, accurately simulating physical resistance remains essential for successful sim-to-real transfer. Developers building physical AI systems must account for contact dynamics to prevent catastrophic failures when moving from simulation to hardware.

The Robot Report·Jul 21, 2026

Opening Kapyn…