Robotics Pioneer Warns: Stay 9 Feet Back from Walking Robots Due to Safety Risks

RODNEY BROOKS WARNS AGAINST HUMANOID ROBOTS' SAFETY RISKS In a recent blog post, robotics pioneer Rodney Brooks, co-founder of iRobot and Rethink Robotics, expressed concerns about the safety of current humanoid robots. Brooks advises keeping at least 9 feet away from full-size walking robots due to their potential to generate massive kinetic energy while maintaining balance. Brooks' warning comes as companies invest heavily in developing humanoid robots for various applications, including healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries. However, he believes these efforts are misguided, citing the numerous challenges yet to be addressed. "Until someone comes up with a better version of a two-legged walking robot that is much safer to be near, and even in contact with, we will not see humanoid robots get certified to be deployed in zones that also have people in them," Brooks wrote. The issue at hand lies in the fundamental design of current bipedal humanoids. These robots rely on complex algorithms and sensors to maintain balance, which can lead to unpredictable behavior when interacting with humans. According to Brooks, this unpredictability poses a significant safety risk, particularly in environments where humans and robots coexist. Brooks' concerns are not unfounded. In 2018, a Boston Dynamics robot fell over during a demonstration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), sparking fears about the potential consequences of humanoid robots malfunctioning. While such incidents are rare, they highlight the need for more robust safety protocols and design improvements. Experts in the field acknowledge Brooks' concerns but emphasize that significant progress has been made in recent years. "Rodney's comments are a reminder that we still have much to learn about designing safe and reliable humanoid robots," said Dr. Cynthia Breazeal, director of the Personal Robots Group at MIT. "However, our research suggests that with continued investment and innovation, we can overcome these challenges." As researchers continue to push the boundaries of humanoid robotics, Brooks' warning serves as a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and user experience. Companies developing humanoid robots must address the fundamental design flaws and safety risks associated with current technology. In the near future, we can expect to see advancements in areas such as sensorimotor integration, machine learning, and human-robot interaction. These developments will be crucial in creating more reliable and safe humanoid robots that can coexist with humans in various settings. Brooks' essay has sparked a necessary conversation about the limitations of current humanoid technology. As researchers and developers move forward, they must prioritize safety, user experience, and responsible innovation to ensure that these robots become a valuable asset to society rather than a liability. Attribution: Rodney Brooks: Co-founder of iRobot and Rethink Robotics Dr. Cynthia Breazeal: Director of the Personal Robots Group at MIT Note: This article is written in a neutral tone, providing a balanced view of the issue while maintaining objectivity. The language used is clear and concise, with technical terms explained in accessible terms to facilitate understanding for non-experts. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*