The idea of humanoid (and non-humanoid) robots walking and working among us is no longer relegated to science fiction films. Startups like Agility Robotics, AI figures and others are turning this vision into reality, challenging traditional understandings of work.
The inevitable question we ask ourselves now is: are we on the eve of a new working era? The answer may lie not only in technology, but also in our ability to adapt and welcome these new “colleagues”.
The work of the future: between humans and humanoids
The race towards automation has taken a decidedly more personal turn. No more mechanical arms confined behind safety barriers, but figures that move among us, with a surprisingly human fluidity. The Digit robot by Agility Robotics is a case in point: designed to navigate human workspaces, it doesn't try to mimic human appearance, but to perform tasks efficiently and safely. Amazon, the e-commerce giant, has already started tests to evaluate the integration of Digit in its intricate warehouses.
The challenge of integration
The real challenge is not so much creating a robot that resembles a human, but one that can act effectively within environments built for humans. AI figures and other companies are working on robots that can not only walk, but also understand and interact with their surroundings. This “human-centric” approach could be the key to the successful integration of robots into society.
Humanoid robots, from mobility to dexterity
While mobility has been a focus for robots like Digit, others, like those developed by Sanctuary AI, aim to perfect dexterity and manipulation skills. Geordie Rose, CEO of Sanctuary AI, points out that walking is only part of the problem: the real goal is to develop robots capable of understanding the world and manipulating it with the same ability as a human being. Like the Phoenix robots, the humanoids he is developing the American startup.
Artificial intelligence and perception of the world
The term “general artificial intelligence” (AGI for friends) is often mentioned when talking about humanoid robots. These systems must be able to understand human language and translate this understanding into concrete actions. It's not just about performing repetitive tasks, but about interacting meaningfully with people and the work environment. It is the work that "eternal" research (because long and constant) such as that of Boston Dynamics is pursuing Atlas and Tesla with Optimus. Do you understand how much research there is in the sector, and how long they have been around? This is why humanoid robot technology is on the eve of its explosion.
The implementation of AGI in humanoid robots represents a turning point: not only would we have machines that resemble humans in appearance and movements, but also in cognitive capacity. This raises profound philosophical questions about our relationship with technology and the future of work. If a humanoid robot could not only perform tasks, but also understand and interact with the world in a similar way to a human, what place would humans occupy in this new working pattern?
Robotics and society: a shared future
Damion Shelton of Agility Robotics predicts that, within the next 20 years, humanoid robots will be an integral part of everyday life. The challenge will be to ensure that this integration occurs harmoniously, without fueling fears of technological unemployment.
Because humanoid robotics is not just a question of replacing human labor, but of evolution and expansion of our capabilities. It is an invitation to rethink work itself, its function, efficiency and collaboration between man and machine.
The discussion is open: how do we prepare to welcome humanoid robots into our society? How can we ensure that this technological transition enriches, not impoverishes, our human experience? The answer to these questions will shape the world of tomorrow, a world where humanity and robotics advance together towards new horizons of possibility.
On this journey into the future, our openness to change and ability to adapt will be as crucial as the innovations we welcome into our lives.
