The world is just not quite ready for humanoids yet

TechCrunch
TechCrunch
3M ago
Rodney Brooks warns of an investment bubble in humanoid robots, citing challenges in dexterity and market readiness.
The world is just not quite ready for humanoids yet
A What happened
Rodney Brooks, founder of iRobot, has expressed alarm over the significant investments flowing into humanoid robot companies, suggesting that the technology is not ready for practical application. He argues that humanoids currently lack the fine motor skills necessary for effective operation, rendering them largely impractical. Other robotics experts echo his concerns, highlighting safety issues and the unclear timeline for development. Despite some startups, like K-Scale Labs and Hugging Face, showing early demand for their humanoid robots, the consensus is that widespread adoption is unlikely for at least a decade. Brooks predicts that future humanoids may not resemble humans at all, instead featuring wheels and other non-human characteristics. The industry faces significant challenges, including the complexity of humanoid movement and the need for robust economic models to support sustainable business.

Key insights

  • 1

    Investment Bubble Warning: Rodney Brooks cautions against the current investment trend in humanoid robots.

  • 2

    Market Readiness Concerns: Experts believe humanoid robots are not ready for widespread adoption.

  • 3

    Safety Issues Highlighted: Potential safety risks arise when humanoids operate in human environments.

Takeaways

The future of humanoid robots remains uncertain, with significant technological and market challenges ahead.

Topics

Technology & Innovation Artificial Intelligence Business & Markets Startups/VC Robotics

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