What does "End-to-end Systems" mean?

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End-to-end systems are a way of designing technology where one single model takes input and directly gives the desired output without needing separate steps in between. This approach simplifies processes by removing the need for multiple stages, making it easier to train and use.

In the context of robots or automated vehicles, end-to-end systems can take information from their surroundings and make decisions in real-time without human intervention. For example, a bipedal robot could learn to walk by taking in data from its sensors and producing movement as a direct response. This method can be very efficient and is particularly useful when the task is straightforward.

However, while end-to-end systems are powerful, they also have some limitations. They might struggle with complex tasks that require more detailed control or specialized knowledge. In such cases, these systems may not always produce the best results.

Researchers are looking at how to combine end-to-end methods with other approaches to create more robust systems that can handle a wider variety of situations. The goal is to make these technologies reliable and effective for everyday use.