RODNEY BROOKS WARNS AGAINST CLOSE PROXIMITY TO HUMANOID ROBOTS
In a recent technical essay, Rodney Brooks, co-founder of iRobot and Rethink Robotics, cautioned against standing within 10 feet of full-size walking robots due to safety concerns. Brooks' warning highlights the significant challenges facing the development of humanoid machines.
According to Brooks, who is now an MIT professor emeritus, the massive kinetic energy generated by bipedal humanoids while maintaining balance makes them fundamentally unsafe for humans to be near when they walk. "My advice to people is to not come closer than 3 meters to a full-size walking robot," he wrote in his essay titled "Why Todays Humanoids Wont Learn Dexterity." This warning underscores the need for significant advancements in robotics safety before humanoid robots can be deployed in areas with human presence.
Brooks' concerns are rooted in the fundamental design of modern bipedal robots. Unlike quadruped robots, which have a lower center of gravity and distribute their weight more evenly, two-legged robots rely on complex algorithms to maintain balance. This process generates significant kinetic energy that can be released suddenly if the robot loses its footing or encounters an obstacle.
The implications of Brooks' warning are far-reaching. With billions invested in humanoid development, companies such as Boston Dynamics and SoftBank Robotics are racing to create machines that can perform tasks like assembly line work and healthcare assistance. However, these robots must first overcome the safety hurdles identified by Brooks before they can be safely integrated into human environments.
Industry experts agree that Brooks' concerns are valid but also acknowledge the potential benefits of humanoid robots in various industries. "While it's true that current bipedal robots have limitations, we're making rapid progress in addressing these issues," said Dr. Marc Raibert, CEO of Boston Dynamics. "We believe our robots will be safe and effective in a variety of settings once we've overcome the technical challenges."
Brooks' essay has sparked debate within the robotics community about the feasibility of humanoid development. Some argue that his warnings are overly cautious, while others see them as a necessary reminder of the significant work still to be done.
As researchers continue to push the boundaries of humanoid robotics, Brooks' warning serves as a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the development of these machines. With billions invested and the potential for significant benefits, it remains to be seen whether industry leaders will heed Brooks' advice or press on with their current designs.
Background: Rodney Brooks co-founded iRobot in 1990 and Rethink Robotics in 2008. He is currently an MIT professor emeritus and has written extensively on robotics and artificial intelligence.
Attribution: This article relies on information from Brooks' technical essay "Why Todays Humanoids Wont Learn Dexterity" published on his blog last week, as well as interviews with industry experts.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
