On the Verge of a Robotics Revolution
On a recent morning, I knocked on the front door of a handsome two-story home in Redwood City, Calif. Within seconds, the door was opened by a faceless robot dressed in a beige bodysuit that clung tight to its trim waist and long legs.
The Rise of Humanoids
This svelte humanoid greeted me with what seemed to be a Scandinavian accent, and I offered to shake hands. As our palms met, it said: “I have a firm grip.” When the home’s owner, a Norwegian engineer named Bernt Børnich, asked for some bottled water, the robot turned, walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator with one hand.
Artificial intelligence is already driving cars, writing essays and even writing computer code. Now, humanoids, machines built to look like humans and powered by A.I., are poised to move into our homes so they can help with the daily chores. Mr. Børnich is chief executive and founder of a start-up called 1X. Before the end of the year, his company hopes to put his robot, Neo, into more than 100 homes in Silicon Valley and elsewhere.
The Next Step
His start-up is among the dozens of companies planning to sell humanoids and get them into both homes and businesses. Investors have poured $7.2 billion into more than 50 start-ups since 2015, according to PitchBook, a research firm that tracks the tech industry. The humanoid frenzy reached a new peak last year, when investments topped $1.6 billion. And that did not include the billions that Elon Musk and Tesla, his electric car company, are pumping into Optimus, a humanoid they began building in 2021.
The Challenges
Simpler robots — small robotic arms and autonomous carts, for instance — have long shared the workload inside warehouses and factories. Now, companies are betting that machines can tackle a wider range of tasks by mimicking the ways that people walk, bend, twist, reach, grip and generally get things done. Because homes, offices and warehouses are already built for humans, these companies argue, humanoids are better equipped to navigate the world than any other robot.
The Current State
The push toward humanoid labor has been building for years, fueled by advances in both robotic hardware and A.I. technologies that allow robots to rapidly learn new skills. But these humanoids are still a bit of a mirage. Internet videos have circulated for years showing the remarkable dexterity of these machines, but very often, they are remotely guided by humans. And simple tasks like loading the dishwasher are anything but simple for them.
Conclusion
As I watched Neo load a washing machine, squatting gingerly to lift clothes from a laundry basket, I realized that this robot is still a work in progress. Even when controlled by humans, Neo might drop a cup or struggle to find the right angle as it tries to toss an empty bottle into a garbage can under a sink. Though humanoids have improved by leaps and bounds over the past decade, they are still not as nimble as humans. However, Mr. Børnich and his team are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with their technology.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of humanoids?
A: Humanoids are designed to help with daily chores and tasks, freeing up humans to focus on more complex and creative work.
Q: How do humanoids work?
A: Humanoids are powered by artificial intelligence and can be controlled remotely by humans or learn tasks through observation and simulation.
Q: Are humanoids safe?
A: The safety of humanoids is a top priority, and companies like 1X are working to ensure that their robots can operate safely in homes and businesses.
Q: Will humanoids replace human workers?
A: While humanoids may automate some tasks, they are not designed to replace human workers entirely. Instead, they are meant to augment human capabilities and make certain tasks easier and more efficient.
Q: How will humanoids be used in the future?
A: Humanoids have the potential to be used in a wide range of applications, from healthcare and education to manufacturing and logistics. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see humanoids being used in more and more areas.
