Humanoid robots have long been a staple of science fiction, but now real progress is being made. A number of new models being developed or supported by companies such as Boston Dynamics, Tesla and OpenAI can walk and move like humans, with special agility and dexterity.

But it is the ability to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into these humanoid robots that could allow them to make the leap into everyday life. AI-powered “brains” could help dramatically improve the way humanoid robots interact with humans and the outside world. This would give humanoid robots their “iPhone moment,” meaning they would experience a major breakthrough in the market.

Large language models, the technology behind AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have shown that they are good at learning from the huge amounts of data they are fed, and that they are good at selecting the right information and using it to think. They are the key to something called “embodied intelligence.”

Embodied intelligence is the integration of cognitive processes into physical actions, similar to how our brain controls our limbs. The goal of embodied intelligence is to enable robots to interact with the world in a similar way to humans. This concept is based on large language models and visual AI systems that help computers understand objects in videos and images.

It creates machine logic about the relationships between the observer and the objects and helps the robot understand how interactions between them might occur. LLMs alone would not necessarily act as the robot’s “brain,” but the technology could help improve their overall interaction with the world.

A good example is an AI system developed by Google called PaLM-E. The engineers who developed PaLM-E trained it to directly ingest raw data streams from robot sensors. The resulting AI system enabled the robot to learn very effectively.

This field is evolving so quickly that by the time I finish writing this article, a new, innovative AI model or paradigm may already be published. Advances like PaLM-E are giving humanoids visual-spatial intelligence, allowing them to understand our world without the need for extensive programming.

From the factory to your own home

The potential uses of humanoid robots are vast and varied. Early modern research into humanoid robotics focused on developing robots for use in extreme environments that are dangerous and difficult for human operators to access. This includes NASA’s Valkyrie robot, designed for space exploration. However, we will probably first see commercial humanoid robots in controlled environments such as manufacturing.

Robots like Tesla’s Optimus could revolutionize manufacturing and logistics by taking on tasks that require precision and endurance. They could work side-by-side with human employees, increasing productivity and safety.

In a factory, for example, Optimus could handle hazardous materials, perform quality control, and assist with assembly processes. The new Boston Dynamics Atlas2, announced a few months ago, already shows some use cases for use in factories, such as lifting and storing heavy components.

Beyond industrial applications, humanoid robots could also find their place in the home. Imagine a future where Optimus helps with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, and even caring for the elderly.

Earlier this year, Stanford University’s Aloha robot made headlines online by demonstrating that it could independently prepare Chinese food, put dishes in a dishwasher, make beds and put laundry in a closet. In the future, humanoids may be used in more professional areas, such as in hospitals for nursing tasks or in public safety, where expertise and high levels of acceptance by the population are required.

Marketability

The technological potential of humanoid robots is undeniable, but the market viability of such products remains uncertain. Their acceptance and success will be influenced by several factors, including cost, reliability and public perception.

Historically, the introduction of new technologies has often faced hurdles related to consumer confidence and affordability. For Tesla’s Optimus to be commercially successful, it will need to not only prove its technical capabilities but also demonstrate concrete benefits that outweigh the costs.

There are also ethical considerations. For example, who has access to all the data the robot collects as it interacts with humans, sometimes in highly private moments? There is also the possibility that humanoid robots could displace jobs, such as in elderly care, where they could play a key role.

These ethical factors will play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and the regulatory framework. Science fiction writer Isaac Asimov designed the Three Laws of Robotics to help humans interact effectively with robots. In short, they state that a robot must not harm a human, that a robot must obey the orders of humans, and that a robot must protect its own existence as long as doing so does not conflict with the first or second laws.

These laws may still be relevant as current debates are not limited to humanoid robots but also include all high-level autonomous systems that could pose societal risks and cybersecurity issues.

However, it is important to remember that current AI is still far from the real intelligence we know, so it is unlikely that the scenarios depicted in films such as Steven Spielberg’s AI: Artificial Intelligence or Will Smith’s I, Robot will come to pass any time soon.

We need experts from a variety of fields, including robotics, ethics and economics, to participate in the development of humanoid robots. Their insights will be crucial to addressing the challenges and opportunities this technology brings.

As we stand on the threshold of this new technological frontier, it is important to think not only about what is possible, but also what is desirable for our collective future. As I watch the grass in my garden grow steadily, all I can think about is a humanoid robot mowing it – after making me a relaxing cup of tea.