Robotics Pioneer Warns of Safety Risks in Humanoid Robots
In a recent technical essay, Rodney Brooks, founder of iRobot and MIT professor, has cautioned people to maintain a safe distance from full-sized walking robots, citing concerns over their safety and certification for deployment in areas with humans. According to the essay, "Why Todays Humanoids Won't Learn Dexterity," published on his blog last week, Brooks recommends standing at least 9 feet (3 meters) away from any full-size walking robot.
Brooks' warning is not taken lightly, given his decades-long experience building humanoid machines. His advice is clear: until a safer version of two-legged walking robots is developed, they should not be certified for deployment in areas with people. "We will not see humanoid robots get certified to be deployed in zones that also have people in them," Brooks writes.
The safety concerns surrounding humanoid robots are not new. In recent years, there have been several incidents involving robots malfunctioning or behaving erratically, raising questions about their reliability and safety. According to a report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), there were over 100 robot-related accidents worldwide in 2020 alone.
Brooks' essay highlights the limitations of current humanoid robotics technology. "Today's humanoids are not capable of learning dexterity," he writes, citing their inability to adapt to new situations and environments. This lack of flexibility makes them prone to errors and malfunctions, which can have serious consequences for humans in close proximity.
Experts agree that Brooks' concerns are valid. Dr. Cynthia Breazeal, a robotics professor at MIT, notes that "humanoid robots are still in the early stages of development" and require significant improvements before they can be safely deployed in areas with people. "We need to focus on developing more robust and reliable robots that can operate safely and effectively," she adds.
The implications of Brooks' warning are far-reaching, particularly for industries such as healthcare and manufacturing, where humanoid robots are being explored for use in patient care and assembly line work. Until safer versions of these robots are developed, it is likely that their deployment will be limited to areas with minimal human interaction.
As the robotics industry continues to evolve, Brooks' cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and reliability in the development of humanoid machines. With the potential for widespread adoption comes the need for rigorous testing and certification protocols to ensure that these robots can operate safely alongside humans.
Background
Rodney Brooks is a renowned robotics pioneer who co-founded iRobot, the company behind the popular Roomba vacuum cleaner. He has spent decades building humanoid machines and has written extensively on the topic of robotics and artificial intelligence.
Current Status
The development of safer and more reliable humanoid robots remains an active area of research and development. Industry leaders such as Boston Dynamics and Honda Robotics are working to improve their designs, but significant challenges remain before these robots can be safely deployed in areas with people.
Next Steps
As the robotics industry continues to advance, it is likely that we will see increased investment in safety and reliability protocols for humanoid machines. Brooks' warning serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing human safety in the development of these technologies.
This story was compiled from reports by Ars Technica and Ars Technica UK.
