Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently described physical AI, a category that includes robots that can perceive, understand and act in the real world, as the next wave in artificial intelligence.
One big reason for designing humanoid robots is the need for human acceptance. In elder care especially, where there is a great and growing need for more workers, as well as need for physical function, humans will have a great preference for a robot that appears companionable. The robot can't bathe or feed someone who rejects it.
Next, the work calls for a general-purpose intelligence operating in an environment already built for humans. As Ajay pointed out, that environment isn’t just sized for human bodies—it’s designed for them. And most objects in environments designed for humans are operated by the human hand. People don’t want a caregiver robot with suction pads or tools for hands; they want something familiar. Sure, a specialized attachment could be more precise, but if you swap out a hand for a needle, you’ll end up with a lot of terrified grannies in the care home. What’s needed is a robot that feels companionable while also being practically helpful. And cats over squirrels, every day.
One big reason for designing humanoid robots is the need for human acceptance. In elder care especially, where there is a great and growing need for more workers, as well as need for physical function, humans will have a great preference for a robot that appears companionable. The robot can't bathe or feed someone who rejects it.
Next, the work calls for a general-purpose intelligence operating in an environment already built for humans. As Ajay pointed out, that environment isn’t just sized for human bodies—it’s designed for them. And most objects in environments designed for humans are operated by the human hand. People don’t want a caregiver robot with suction pads or tools for hands; they want something familiar. Sure, a specialized attachment could be more precise, but if you swap out a hand for a needle, you’ll end up with a lot of terrified grannies in the care home. What’s needed is a robot that feels companionable while also being practically helpful. And cats over squirrels, every day.