Chapter 6: Applications

Core Questions

What real-world problems can VLA systems solve today?
What are the critical success factors for deployment?
How do domain constraints shape system design?

Topics

6.1 Manipulation Tasks

Pick-and-place in unstructured environments
Assembly and manufacturing
Deformable object manipulation
Dexterous manipulation challenges

6.2 Mobile Robotics

Autonomous navigation
Warehouse automation
Last-mile delivery
Search and rescue

6.3 Human-Robot Interaction

Collaborative assembly
Service robotics
Assistive technologies
Social robotics

6.4 Specialized Domains

Surgical robotics
Agricultural automation
Space exploration
Underwater robotics

6.5 Case Studies

RT-1/RT-2 deployment at scale
Mobile ALOHA for teleoperation
Industry partnerships and lessons learned
Failure modes and recovery strategies