‘It’s the robot we were all expecting – like C3PO’: why aren’t humanoids in our homes yet?
Tesla and others are trying to infuse robots with artificial intelligence, yet their development is dogged by technical and safety challenges. But the dream of a multipurpose domestic droid lives on
In 2013, US robotics company Boston Dynamics revealed its new robot, Atlas. Unveiled at the Darpa Robotics Challenge, the 6ft 2in humanoid could walk on uneven ground, jump off boxes, and even climb stairs. It was like a vision frequently depicted in fiction: a robot designed to operate like us, able to take on all manner of everyday tasks. It seemed like the dawn of something. Robots were going to do all of our boring and arduous chores, and step up as elderly care workers to boot.
Since then, we’ve seen leaps forward in artificial intelligence (AI), from computer vision to machine learning. The recent wave of large language models and generative AI systems opens up new opportunities for human-computer interaction. But outside of research labs, physical robots remain largely restricted to factories and warehouses, performing very specific tasks, often behind a safety cage. Home robots are limited to vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers – not exactly Rosie the Robot.
Continue reading...Date: |
Topics
-
MarketWatch - Business
‘We have no health insurance’: My wife died, leaving behind a lot of medical debt. Am I responsible?
“Can they take our house?”22 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
The device bombs were in our living rooms, in our pockets, in our faces. Beirut is terrified | Naji Bakhti
The impact of the latest outrage in Lebanon is devastating for the citizens of a country caught between Israel and Hezbollah. By Tuesday afternoon, the wails of Beirut – of the country – could be ...2 days ago -
NBC News - Top stories
NFL offenses aren't scoring as much. Nobody knows the exact reason why.
NFL teams are currently averaging 21.4 points per game, the fifth straight year the scoring average has decreased, and the lowest points per game total since 2006.Yesterday - NFL -
GameSpot - Tech
24 Cool Things We Saw In Our Dragon Age: The Veilguard Preview
We went hands on for several hours with Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Make sure to check out our preview video for our thoughts on the experience with the game, but here, we’re going to break down 32 ...Yesterday -
ABC News - Sports
Many players who made their MLB debuts in 2020 felt like they were 'missing out'
Nearly half of the 212 players who made their MLB debuts during the pandemic-altered 2020 season are still playing or have been in the big leagues this yearYesterday -
Yahoo News - World
Local organization shows human trafficking is closer to home than we think
2 days ago -
The Guardian - World
This is how we do it: ‘I felt betrayed when I found his Viagra. Were his issues my fault?
Seb struggles to maintain an erection and feel manly, while Clara worries about her appearance – but now they’re going back to basics. How do you do it? Share the story of your sex life, ...Yesterday -
BBC News - Top stories
'Our husbands didn't go to war for Ukraine so we can sit around crying'
A group of Ukrainian women who have lost their husbands or sons describe seeking solace and closure in therapeutic painting classes.Yesterday - Ukraine -
BBC News - Top stories
I hate Trump, she likes him - we both think he staged assassination attempts
A pro-Trump wellness influencer and a suburban Democrat share a conspiracy theory - how did it spread so far?2 hours ago - Donald Trump
More from The Guardian
-
The Guardian - World
Israel strikes targets in Lebanon as Hezbollah launches deepest rocket attacks since start of Gaza war
Israeli military says its jets targeted hundreds of Hezbollah sites, while Hezbollah says it launched dozens of missiles at an airbase in northern Israel. Middle East crisis - latest news The ...3 hours ago - Israel -
The Guardian - World
At least 51 people killed in Iran coalmine explosion
Methane gas blast at mine in South Khorasan province leaves further 20 injured, state media says. A gas explosion in a coalmine in Iran’s South Khorasan province has killed at least 51 people and ...4 hours ago - Iran -
The Guardian - World
Far-right AfD eyes further electoral gains in key German state of Brandenburg
Ballot being seen as referendum on Olaf Scholz’s government ahead of next autumn’s general election. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland party is hoping to come top in an election in the ...2 hours ago - Germany -
The Guardian - World
Sri Lankan presidential election to be decided in runoff vote count
Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa go forward after no candidates gained 50% in first round. The Sri Lankan presidential election will be decided in a runoff, the country’s election body ...2 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
Lammy urges fortitude over Ukraine using Storm Shadow missiles in Russia
In remarks apparently directed at White House, UK foreign secretary says Kyiv’s allies need to show ‘nerve and guts’. The UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, has indicated that delicate negotiations ...20 minutes ago - Ukraine