Startups like Agility Robotics and Figure AI are pushing the boundaries of robot design, creating human-centric machines that can operate in human spaces.
For decades, engineers and scientists have been captivated by the idea of building humanoid robots that are both human-like and useful. Inspired by popular science fiction, the quest to create a robot that can seamlessly navigate human environments has gained renewed interest in recent years. While many prototypes exist, most are still clumsy and impractical, better suited for staged performances than real-life applications. However, a handful of startups, such as Agility Robotics and Figure AI, are determined to overcome these challenges and develop robots that are truly human-centric.
The Distinction Between Human-Centric and Humanoid Robots
Agility Robotics, a leading player in the field, emphasizes the distinction between human-centric and humanoid robots. Jonathan Hurst, co-founder and chief robot officer at Agility Robotics, explains that the focus is on creating robots that can effectively operate in human spaces, rather than attempting to replicate human appearance. Their warehouse robot, Digit, is designed to pick up and move tote bins, demonstrating its practicality in real-world scenarios. Amazon has even announced plans to test Digits in its warehouses, highlighting the potential for these human-centric robots to revolutionize industries.
The Pursuit of True Humanoids
While Agility Robotics prioritizes functionality, other companies, like Figure AI, believe that true humanoids are essential for effective navigation in workplaces, homes, and society at large. Figure AI CEO Brett Adcock envisions a future where commercial robots can be “iterated on like an iPhone,” performing multiple tasks to compensate for declining human labor. Despite the ambitious goal, Figure AI is still in the early stages of development, with no market-ready prototype as of yet.
Learning Along the Way
The pursuit of human-like machines has led to invaluable discoveries and advancements in robotics. Marc Raibert, co-founder of Boston Dynamics, emphasizes the importance of learning from the design and operation of legged robots. Boston Dynamics, known for its dog-like robot Spot, initially experimented with humanoid robots capable of handling boxes. However, this research ultimately led to the development of a non-humanoid robot that could handle boxes more efficiently, work longer hours, and operate in tight spaces. This example demonstrates how humanoid research can lead to the creation of useful non-humanoid robots.
Focusing on Dexterity and Perception
Some startups have taken a different approach by prioritizing the improvement of robotic fingers before tackling the challenge of walking. Sanctuary AI, based in British Columbia, Canada, aims to create robots that can understand and manipulate the physical world with their hands. Their bipedal robot, Phoenix, can stock shelves, unload delivery vehicles, and operate a checkout, showcasing early steps towards achieving human-like dexterity. The goal is to develop robots that can perceive the physical world and reason about it intelligently, ultimately providing labor across various sectors of the economy.
The Mobility Advantage
Agility Robotics' Digit robot has caught the attention of Amazon due to its mobility capabilities. While Digit can walk, its primary advantage lies in its ability to complement Amazon's existing fleet of vehicle-like robots used in warehouses. Tye Brady, Amazon's chief technologist for robotics, highlights the importance of mobility over physical appearance. Currently, Digit is being tested for the repetitive task of picking up and moving empty totes, but its presence raises concerns about job displacement. However, Agility Robotics envisions a future where human-centric robots like Digit are embraced rather than feared, becoming an integral part of human life.
The pursuit of human-centric robots is reshaping the field of robotics, with startups like Agility Robotics and Figure AI pushing the boundaries of design and functionality. While the dream of creating truly humanoid robots still eludes many, the journey has led to significant advancements in mobility, dexterity, perception, and intelligence. As these robots continue to evolve, they have the potential to revolutionize industries and become indispensable in our everyday lives. The key lies in striking the right balance between functionality and human-like features, ultimately creating robots that can seamlessly navigate human spaces while providing valuable labor and assistance.
Alejandro Rodriguez, a tech writer with a computer science background, excels in making complex tech topics accessible. His articles, focusing on consumer electronics and software, blend technical expertise with relatable storytelling. Known for insightful reviews and commentaries, Alejandro's work appears in various tech publications, engaging both enthusiasts and novices.
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