Scientist Rodney Brooks predicts the complete disappearance of human-like robots, arguing that their fundamental design is flawed for true dexterity.
Renowned robotics pioneer Rodney Brooks has articulated his perspective on the inevitable failure of humanoid robots. His arguments are detailed in an essay titled “Why Modern Humanoids Don`t Learn Dexterity,” published on his personal website.
Brooks, a co-founder of companies like iRobot and Rethink Robotics and a prominent scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), asserts that the primary obstacle for modern robots lies in their lack of dexterity. He challenges the approach of companies such as Tesla and Figure AI, which are investing billions in developing human-like machines, stating that these devices will never achieve the same level of dexterity and agility as humans.
Brooks emphasizes that while large language models (LLMs) can teach robots to recognize speech or analyze images – tasks that can be formalized into structured data – this approach is not applicable to developing physical dexterity. It`s impossible to teach a machine to be flexible and agile simply by playing video footage. The researcher criticizes Elon Musk`s Tesla for claiming breakthroughs in robotics, asserting that “without advanced sensory sensors and precise manual control, any demonstration of capabilities remains nothing more than a show.”
Brooks warns that bipedal machines lacking dexterity could pose a significant danger to humans. He foresees a future where humanity abandons the concept that a robot must necessarily mimic human form. Instead, robots will retain their optimized forms: on wheels, equipped with specialized manipulators, suction cups, and cameras, prioritizing functionality over human resemblance.
It is worth noting that in early October, Elon Musk showcased on social media platform X how Tesla`s humanoid robot, Optimus, was learning kung-fu techniques.
