In the industry of robotics, there have always been a lot of disputes and discussions. One of the most fiercely concerns humanoid robots. This topic has been relevant for several decades, but recently has become even more popular thanks to the emergence of startups such as 1x and Figure, as well as projects from larger companies, for example, Tesla.
Supporters of this form factor claim that we built our world for ourselves, so it is logical that we will create robots in our likeness. Such machines have their advantages: they are bending, they can walk up the stairs and have special dexterity as people.
Of course, anyone who tells you that the human body is a perfect creation of nature, is either mistaken or just lies. Arthritis, arthrosis, gastritis, infections and other troubles can serve as proof of this.
In the concept of humanoid robots, there are also many nuances – for example, for decades we preferred mechanisms that were engaged in only one task and repeated it from time to time. In addition, now the specialists are facing the problem of universality. It is not so easy to design a multifunctional machine that can help, for example, in household affairs, talk, process new information and teams. Nevertheless, the public, demanding innovation, does not always realize how difficult this is the task.
But androids do not go unnoticed. One of the most famous technological leaders – Bill Gates – this week shared a list of “advanced robotics and laboratories” that inspire it. Among them are three companies that are engaged in the creation of humanoid robots. The most famous is Agility and its Digit robot, the least reminiscent of a person. The list also includes APOLLO manufacturer – Apptronik, and the Romela laboratory from UCLA – developer of the Artemis Robot Bolist.
This is what Gates says about Apptronik:
“What is more useful: several robots, each of which can perform one task again and again, or one robot that can do several tasks