Robots have come a long way since their inception in the early 1920s. Karel Čapek’s play, R.U.R, introduced the term “robot” to the world, and since then, robots have fascinated and captivated our imagination. While the technology hasn’t quite caught up to the humanoid ideal depicted in science fiction, recent advancements suggest that we may be closer than ever before.
What is a “general-purpose humanoid?”
Before we delve deeper into the topic, let’s define what we mean by “general-purpose humanoid.” This term can vary based on individual interpretations. For the purpose of this article, we will consider a general-purpose humanoid as a robot that can quickly learn new skills and perform any task that a human can do. It’s important to note that the transition from a multi-purpose robot to a general-purpose one is a gradual process.
The Evolution of Humanoid Robots
Humanoid robots have evolved to closely resemble the human form. While there may be variations in their physical characteristics, the important factor is their ability to perform human-like tasks. Building robots that mimic humans makes sense, considering our world is designed for humans. The adaptability of bipedal humanoids is another advantage, especially in brownfield warehouses where existing infrastructure often poses challenges for other types of robots.
Realistic Expectations and Challenges
It’s crucial to set realistic expectations when it comes to humanoid robots. As someone who has witnessed the hype cycles in this industry, I urge caution in falling for overpromises. Demo videos, in particular, can be misleading, often edited or sped up to create an illusion of seamless functionality. Disclosure of such videos is essential to avoid unrealistic expectations among investors and the public.
Deployment of humanoid robots in real-world scenarios is constrained by both hardware capabilities and software advancements. Achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) in robots will be a gradual process, with estimates ranging from five to ten years. Before reaching AGI, humanoid robots will start as single-purpose systems and gradually evolve to handle more complex tasks.
Leveraging Existing Infrastructure
Most warehouses and factories are brownfield sites, meaning they are developed on existing properties. Humanoid robots are well-suited for these environments due to their ability to navigate human-designed structures. As we explore the possibilities of humanoid robots at scale, their potential contribution to industries cannot be underestimated. Just as the race to land humans on the moon led to countless inventions, the development of humanoid robots will undoubtedly yield significant results.
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Note: This article is a rewritten version of the original TechCrunch article. It has been modified to align with the brand focus of preptoeic.click and to meet SEO standards. The content remains the same, but the language and structure have been adapted for a Vietnamese audience.