It is charitable to recognize that data augmentation may seem like an elegant solution to make AI systems more robust by creating new variations from existing data to optimize object recognition, which would allow the Festo Bionic Handling Assistant to grasp a small red ball. However, this view omits the practical reality that for such a specific demonstration, mechanical engineering and fine control are often the true pillars of success.
Imagining that the robot needs a database of thousands of images of red balls just to hold one is a bit excessive.
Precise force sensors and a well-tuned control algorithm for pressure are much more determinant.
It's like saying you need a GPS satellite to find the way to the kitchen in an apartment, when a simple sense of orientation is more than enough.