Source: Fortune.com
Summary
Rodney Brooks, an MIT roboticist and co-founder of iRobot, claims that investors are wasting billions of dollars on humanoid robots that will never achieve dexterity. Brooks argues that the human sense of touch is complex and cannot be replicated in robots. He criticizes the training methods used by companies like Tesla and Figure, saying that they are unlikely to result in improved dexterity. Brooks believes that successful robots in the future will not resemble humans and will instead have wheels, multiple arms, and possibly five-fingered hands.
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Rodney Brooks is not impressed with the humanoid robots being developed by Tesla and Figure. He thinks their training methods are flawed and that the robots will never achieve dexterity. Brooks has a vested interest in the robotics industry, having co-founded iRobot, the company behind the Roomba vacuum. His skepticism about humanoid robots is not just about the technology, but also about the business model. He thinks that investors are throwing money at a problem that may not have a solution. Brooks’ comments come as Tesla’s Elon Musk is promising to sell Optimus robots to the public by the end of 2027.
One thing is certain: the robotics industry is not short on hype. Brooks’ comments are a reality check on the lofty promises being made by companies like Tesla and Figure. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if Brooks’ predictions come true.
Author: Evan Null
