RODNEY BROOKS WARNS AGAINST CLOSE PROXIMITY TO HUMANOID ROBOTS
In a recent technical essay, Rodney Brooks, co-founder of iRobot and Rethink Robotics, expressed concerns about the safety of humans near full-size walking robots. Brooks recommends standing at least nine feet away from these machines due to their potential for generating massive kinetic energy while maintaining balance.
According to Brooks' blog post, "Why Todays Humanoids Wont Learn Dexterity," companies investing heavily in humanoid development are chasing an expensive fantasy. He warns that the current state of bipedal humanoids is fundamentally unsafe for humans to be near when they walk. This is because these robots store up energy as they balance and move, which can be released suddenly if they lose their balance.
Brooks' concerns are not unfounded. Humanoid robots like Honda's ASIMO and Boston Dynamics' Atlas have been developed with the goal of creating machines that can perform tasks in human environments. However, these robots are still in the experimental phase and have yet to be certified for deployment in areas where humans are present.
In an interview, Brooks explained his reasoning behind the nine-foot safety distance: "When a humanoid robot is walking, it's generating a tremendous amount of kinetic energy. If that robot were to lose its balance and fall, it could cause serious injury or even death."
Brooks' warnings have sparked debate among robotics experts and industry leaders. Some argue that the benefits of humanoid robots outweigh the risks, while others agree with Brooks that more research is needed before these machines can be safely deployed in human environments.
The development of humanoid robots has been a long-standing goal for many companies and researchers. However, Brooks' essay highlights the challenges and complexities involved in creating machines that can safely interact with humans.
As the field of robotics continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether companies will heed Brooks' warnings or continue to push forward with humanoid development. One thing is certain: the safety of humans near these robots will remain a top concern until significant advancements are made.
Brooks' essay serves as a reminder that the development of advanced technologies must prioritize human safety and well-being. As robotics continues to advance, it is essential that researchers and industry leaders work together to address the challenges and complexities involved in creating machines that can safely interact with humans.
Background:
Rodney Brooks co-founded iRobot in 1990 and Rethink Robotics in 2008. He is currently a professor emeritus at MIT and has been a leading figure in the robotics community for decades.
Context:
The development of humanoid robots has been ongoing for several years, with many companies investing heavily in research and development. However, Brooks' essay highlights the challenges and complexities involved in creating machines that can safely interact with humans.
Additional Perspectives:
Industry leaders and researchers have responded to Brooks' warnings with a mix of agreement and disagreement. Some argue that the benefits of humanoid robots outweigh the risks, while others agree with Brooks that more research is needed before these machines can be safely deployed in human environments.
Current Status and Next Developments:
The development of humanoid robots continues to advance, but it remains to be seen whether companies will heed Brooks' warnings or continue to push forward with humanoid development. As the field of robotics continues to evolve, it is essential that researchers and industry leaders work together to address the challenges and complexities involved in creating machines that can safely interact with humans.
Sources:
Brooks, R. (2023). Why Todays Humanoids Wont Learn Dexterity. [Blog post].
iRobot. (n.d.). About Us.
MIT. (n.d.). Rodney Brooks.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
