Humanoid Robot Bubble Set to Pop: Renowned Roboticist Warns of Industry's Downfall

Renowned Roboticist Warns of Humanoid Robot Bubble's Imminent Burst Rodney Brooks, a co-founder of iRobot and former MIT professor, has sounded the alarm on the humanoid robot industry, declaring that investors are wasting their money on companies attempting to create robots with human-like dexterity. In an essay published recently, Brooks argues that the approach being taken by startups like Tesla and Figure is "pure fantasy thinking." Brooks' skepticism stems from his assertion that human hands possess a level of sophistication unmatched by current robotic technology. Human hands contain approximately 17,000 specialized touch receptors, which no robot can replicate. This disparity in sensory capabilities makes it nearly impossible for robots to match the dexterity of humans. "Machine learning has transformed speech recognition and image processing, but those breakthroughs built on decades of existing technology for capturing the right data," Brooks explained in an interview. "We don't have such a tradition for touch data." Furthermore, Brooks highlights the safety concerns associated with full-sized walking humanoid robots. These machines pump massive amounts of energy into staying upright, making them hazardous when they inevitably fall. According to Brooks, a robot twice the size of current models would pack eight times the harmful energy. Brooks predicts that successful humanoid robots will abandon their human form in favor of more practical designs within 15 years. He envisions robots with wheels, multiple arms, and specialized sensors, which would be better equipped to handle complex tasks. The humanoid robot industry has attracted significant investment in recent years, with companies like Tesla and Figure receiving billions of dollars in funding. However, Brooks' warning suggests that investors may soon realize the futility of their efforts. Brooks' critique is not without merit. Many experts agree that the current approach to developing humanoid robots is flawed. "The idea of teaching robots dexterity by showing them videos of humans doing tasks is a simplistic approach," said Dr. Cynthia Breazeal, a robotics expert at MIT. "It's like trying to learn how to play piano by watching someone else play – it just doesn't work." As the industry continues to evolve, Brooks' predictions may prove prophetic. With the rise of autonomous vehicles and robotic assistants, companies are beginning to shift their focus towards more practical applications. While humanoid robots may not be the future, Brooks believes that robotics will continue to transform industries and revolutionize the way we live. The current status of the humanoid robot industry is one of uncertainty. As investors begin to reassess their strategies, it remains to be seen whether companies like Tesla and Figure will adapt to Brooks' predictions or continue down the path of developing human-like robots. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*