Zoe Kleinman, (BBC)
Tesla and Elon Musk fans were dazzled by the unveiling of Optimus, a humanoid robot prototype, in California last week.
I also enjoyed the show, but I’m not alone in wondering why, aside from the wow factor, Optimus is so human-like.
And while fans hate any tangible criticism, Musk said Optimus isn’t ready to hit the market, even anytime soon.
The advanced argument is that humans are better equipped to work with human tools, in human environments. And people may feel more comfortable interacting with something a little more like them. And, of course, the robot looks good.
“Many companies love humanoid robotics because it is exciting for the public to see, but robots on wheels, even drones, are much easier to do,” says Owen Nicholson, CEO of Salamcore, a vision sensor company. Controlled compared to a robot with legs. Because the amount of work required to set up a humanoid robot is simply enormous.
The robotic technology behind Optimus appears to be solid and flawless: Tesla isn’t exactly a beginner, but, says Nicholson, Tesla’s launch of the robot is a sign that the machine has evolved into something more physical.
In my job as a tech journalist, I’ve seen many robots, of all shapes and sizes, designed to clean, care for the elderly, teach, perform surgeries, work as a receptionist and tour guide, play chess, and more. these robots work better than others and rarely, as companies continue to produce everything on display.
But robots have progressed faster over the past decade. And the robots of 2022 are far more skilled than the ones I first saw in 2008.
And always and many times, the robots that impress often don’t look human. Microsurgical robots, warehouse robots and window cleaning robots, none of which are human-like.
Humanoid robots might be expected to operate and interact like humans, performing a variety of different tasks, but Professor Helen Hastie of the National Authority for Robotics Technology in Edinburgh says robots are a long way from being capable of multitasking. .
