Robotics Pioneer Warns of Safety Risks with Humanoid Robots
In a recent blog post, Rodney Brooks, founder of iRobot and Rethink Robotics, cautioned against the development of humanoid robots that can walk on two legs. Brooks, an MIT professor emeritus, advised people to keep at least 9 feet away from full-size walking robots due to their potential safety risks.
According to Brooks' essay, "Why Todays Humanoids Wont Learn Dexterity," the kinetic energy generated by bipedal humanoids while maintaining balance poses a significant threat to humans nearby. This stored-up energy can be released in an instant, causing harm or even injury.
Brooks, who co-founded iRobot, the company behind the popular Roomba vacuum cleaner, believes that companies investing heavily in humanoid development are chasing an expensive fantasy. "We will not see humanoid robots get certified to be deployed in zones that also have people in them until someone comes up with a better version of a two-legged walking robot that is much safer to be near," Brooks wrote.
Brooks' concerns highlight the ongoing challenges facing robotics researchers and developers. Despite significant investment, humanoid robots still struggle to achieve dexterity and balance. This has led some experts to question whether these robots are truly viable for real-world applications.
Industry insiders point out that Brooks' warnings are not new. "Rodney's been saying this for years," said one robotics expert, who wished to remain anonymous. "The problem is that people get caught up in the excitement of building humanoid robots and forget about the safety implications."
While some companies continue to push forward with humanoid development, others are taking a more cautious approach. For example, Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot, which can walk on two legs, has been designed with safety features such as a protective cage around its mechanical limbs.
As researchers continue to work on improving humanoid robots, Brooks' warnings serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in robotics development. "We need to be careful not to get ahead of ourselves and create robots that can harm people," Brooks said in an interview.
The future of humanoid robots remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: until significant advancements are made in safety and dexterity, these robots will remain a distant dream for many applications.
Background: Rodney Brooks co-founded iRobot in 1990 and Rethink Robotics in 2008. He has been a leading figure in robotics research and development for over three decades. His essay on humanoid robots was published on his blog last week.
Implications: The safety risks associated with humanoid robots have significant implications for industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, where these robots may be deployed in the future.
Next Developments: Researchers are working to address the safety concerns raised by Brooks. New designs and technologies are being developed to improve the balance and dexterity of humanoid robots.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
