The Rise of Humanoid Robots: A Closer Look at the Videos Shaping the Industry

In the midst of what can be called a “humanoid summer,” the field of robotics is experiencing a surge of interest and investment. Startups like Figure AI, which recently secured $675 million in funding, and Agility Robotics, which has launched a fleet of humanoid robots at a Spanx factory in Georgia, are at the forefront of this trend. However, it is the captivating videos showcasing these human-like machines that have become the most effective marketing tool for companies and researchers seeking to demonstrate progress and attract attention.

To better understand the significance of these videos, Ken Goldberg, a renowned roboticist from the University of California, Berkeley, sheds light on some key aspects. One crucial factor is determining whether the robot is being tele-operated by a human or executing tasks autonomously, which is not always disclosed in the videos. Additionally, selection bias plays a role, as the number of attempts required to achieve a perfect shot can influence the perception of a robot’s capabilities. Furthermore, the speed at which the videos are presented can also impact the viewer’s perception, with intentional manipulation potentially obscuring certain aspects of the robot’s performance.

One recurring theme in humanoid videos is the emphasis on the robot’s hands, often showcasing their dexterity by curling the fingers into a gentle fist. While these robotic hands possess more usable joints than industrial grippers, their capabilities may not align with what the videos suggest. For instance, when shown holding a box, the robots may not be lifting it in the same way humans would, but rather squeezing it horizontally using shoulder force. Hand dexterity remains a complex engineering challenge, and most videos do not showcase extensive hand movements.

Walking and running abilities have significantly improved in humanoid robots, with Goldberg suggesting that a robot capable of outrunning a human is on the horizon. However, it is important to consider the controlled environments in which these feats are demonstrated. The absence of clutter, dust, obstacles, or challenging surfaces in the videos does not accurately represent the real-world scenarios where these robots are expected to operate alongside humans.

Despite the impressive physical feats displayed in the videos, humanoids may not possess the strength suggested. Holding a hammer at arm’s length, for example, can be challenging for many of these robots. Their carrying capacity also varies significantly when their arms are outstretched, which should be taken into account when observing tasks such as moving boxes.

While there are numerous questions surrounding humanoid robots, including their cost and practical applications, understanding the nuances behind the videos provides valuable perspective as these machines become more prevalent in our world. The captivating imagery and visuals have undoubtedly played a significant role in the growing interest and investment in humanoid robotics.