Why iRobot’s Founder Avoids Today’s Walking Robots
Exploring the safety concerns and future of humanoid robots as articulated by industry expert Rodney Brooks.
In a recent post, Brooks shares a cautionary tale from his past, recounting a close encounter with an Agility Robotics Digit that fell, leading him to avoid approaching humanoid robots while walking ever since. His observations extend to promotional materials from robotics companies where humans are rarely depicted in close proximity to moving humanoids, often separated by furniture with the robots only shown shuffling minimally.
Core Topic, Plainly Explained
Brooks emphasizes the critical safety challenges faced by humanoid robots today. Current robots must obtain certification to function in environments shared with humans, particularly in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing. Unfortunately, their walking mechanisms largely hinder such certification under existing global safety standards.
The humanoid Apollo robot.
Credit: Google
Brooks anticipates that in the next 15 years, humanoid robots will diversify significantly from the two-legged models we see today. He predicts a future where “humanoids” might possess wheels instead of feet, varying numbers of arms, and specialized sensors that won’t resemble human anatomy. This evolution could potentially redefine the concept of a humanoid much like the shift in how we now understand “flying cars” and “self-driving cars.”
Key Facts & Evidence
Brooks notes a significant investment trend aimed at enhancing today’s humanoid robots’ dexterity through improved walking mechanisms. However, he contends that these investments are likely to diminish as researchers find more effective methods that incorporate tactile feedback. For instance, MIT’s glove technology allows for sensation transmission between human operators and robot hands, yet even these innovations don’t achieve the human-like dexterity we seek.
“For humanoids to fulfill their promised role in health care and factory settings, they need certification to operate in zones shared with humans. Current walking mechanisms make such certification virtually impossible under existing safety standards in most parts of the world.”
How It Works
The progression towards safer and more capable humanoid robots involves several distinct steps:
- Step 1: Develop advanced sensing technologies to improve navigation and interaction in human environments.
- Step 2: Incorporate tactile feedback systems for dexterous manipulation and interaction.
- Step 3: Attain necessary certifications to operate within shared spaces safely.
Implications & Use Cases
The safety challenges surrounding humanoid robots have significant implications for various sectors. For example:
- In healthcare, a humanoid robot acting as an assistant could provide vital support but must be proven safe to interact with patients.
- In factories, humanoid robots could enhance production by working collaboratively with human employees but require robust safety protocols.
Limits & Unknowns
While there is progress in humanoid robotics, many constraints and unknowns persist, including the adaptability of robots in fluid environments and the overarching question of how soon effective safety standards can be established. Not specified in the source.
What’s Next
Brooks suggests that the future redefinition of humanoids will happen as advancements are made. Over the next 15 years, expect a significant transformation in the physical design and operational capabilities of these robots.