Why aren’t humanoids in our homes yet?

Tesla and others are trying to infuse robots with artificial intelligence, yet their development is dogged by technical and safety challenges. But the dream of a multipurpose domestic droid lives on.

In 2013, Boston Dynamics introduced Atlas, a 6ft 2in humanoid robot capable of walking on uneven terrain, jumping, and climbing stairs, signaling a major leap in robotics. Initially unveiled at the Darpa Robotics

Challenge, Atlas embodied the futuristic vision of robots capable of performing everyday tasks like humans. However, despite advancements in AI, such as machine learning and large language models, physical robots are still primarily limited to specific industrial settings like factories and warehouses. Home robots remain basic, focusing on tasks like vacuuming and mowing lawns. According to experts like Jenny Read from the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency, developing robotic bodies has not kept pace with AI, as it requires significantly more resources and complexity. While companies like Tesla and Boston Dynamics are making progress, true general-purpose robots are still far from reality due to the challenges in hardware and physical dexterity.

Humanoid robots like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas and Tesla’s Optimus have captured the public’s imagination, promising a future where robots assist with everyday tasks, from household chores to industrial work. However, despite significant progress in artificial intelligence, physical robots have yet to become widespread outside tightly controlled environments like factories and warehouses. One major challenge lies in the development of robotic bodies and dexterity. While AI advancements have soared, building versatile, human-like robots is much harder due to the complexity of replicating human-like movement and dexterity. For example, tasks requiring precise manipulation of objects remain a major obstacle. As companies work to improve robot designs, particularly focusing on hands, the dream of a useful multipurpose domestic robot still faces significant technical and safety hurdles, keeping humanoids like Atlas and Optimus from widespread use in homes and public spaces.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/sep/22/its-the-robot-we-were-all-expecting-like-c3po-why-arent-humanoids-in-our-homes-yet