The future of robots is coming on two legs
Human-shaped machines fit where people do, and the arms allow them to pick up and carry objects. Safety is still a stumbling block, though.
MOST people have seen robots in human form. The Hollywood version has starred in movies for decades. Now there are videos on the Internet of real bipedal robots, whether it’s Elon Musk’s Optimus or the incredibly flexible two-legged robot from Boston Dynamics. Agility Robotics has one with legs that bend back at the knees like a flamingo.These robots are creepy for some and cool for others.
The deeply wired first reaction to the difference in these automated tools will always make human-shaped robots a bit more controversial than the Roomba that bumps around the home or a caged-off, six-axis arm bolted to the floor of an auto factory that can flip around a car body with ease. Like them or not, these bipedal robots will become common over time.
The form isn’t just a vain attempt to glorify humans. Having two feet helps these robots fit where humans do, and the arms allow them to pick up and carry objects while on the move. Several companies and garage startups are building and testing them now. In limited cases, such as Agility Robotics’ Digit, they are deployed in initial pilot tests on warehouse floors.
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