Expert Warns of Risks as Humanoid Robots Edge Toward Reality

Autonomous humanoid robots are becoming increasingly feasible, but significant challenges remain, according to Dr. Carl Strathearn, a prominent robotics expert from Edinburgh Napier University. As the excitement surrounding humanoid robotics grows, so does the need for stringent regulations to ensure safety and effectiveness. Dr. Strathearn will address these concerns at New Scientist Live, scheduled for October 18-20, 2023, at London ExCel.

Dr. Strathearn emphasizes that despite impressive demonstrations of robots performing tasks like pouring drinks or folding clothes, a substantial gap exists between these showcases and the development of truly useful humanoid helpers. He stated, “The biggest problem is the lack of real-world data and the technological means of gathering it in large enough quantities to train our robots effectively.” Current robotic systems rely heavily on virtual simulations and online videos, resulting in machines that perform well in controlled environments but struggle in unpredictable, real-world situations.

A significant hurdle in creating reliable humanoid robots is the vast diversity of objects they must handle. Dr. Strathearn illustrated this point using a simple cup: “There are millions of variations in size, weight, shape, colour. Now extrapolate that to every object in a house, and you can see the scale of the challenge.” One potential avenue for improvement is crowdsourcing real-world data, possibly through devices like Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. However, he acknowledges that this ambitious plan would require extensive participation from the public, raising ethical concerns.

While science-fiction scenarios of robots turning against humanity often capture attention, Dr. Strathearn identifies a more immediate threat: humans mismanaging these technologies. He noted, “Humans control them using handheld devices, which makes them very dangerous and unreliable.” Following a series of close calls involving humanoid robots, Dr. Strathearn is leading a petition to the UK Parliament advocating for regulation of these machines in public spaces.

The perception of humanoid robots also presents challenges. Robots that closely resemble humans risk entering the “uncanny valley,” a phenomenon where overly lifelike robots evoke discomfort. Yet in specific contexts, like dementia care, a familiar face could provide comfort. He remarked, “People have different thresholds of perception when it comes to creepiness,” leading to a variety of robotic designs, from highly realistic to those with minimal features.

Dr. Strathearn’s work includes the development of the “Multimodal Turing Test,” which examines how lifelike robots affect communication. Further research from Japanese scientists supports his findings, indicating that people are more likely to perceive AI as human when it interacts through realistic robots.

Despite the hurdles, the race to develop humanoid robots continues unabated. Dr. Strathearn expressed concern over the hype surrounding these technologies, stating, “We are far from humanoid robots that are good enough to do everyday tasks effectively.” He highlighted a growing skills gap in the robotics field, as universities often compartmentalize disciplines instead of promoting interdisciplinary learning. “Without a solid foundation in education, I worry about the sustainability of the humanoid robotics industry,” he added.

Interestingly, Dr. Strathearn believes that humanoid robots may find more immediate applications in space exploration than in everyday life on Earth. He noted, “Space exploration for sure — we could use telemetric or AI-controlled humanoids to work in space for longer periods than humans, advancing us further into the unknown.” Such robots could assist in terraforming efforts or exploring challenging terrains that current robotic rovers cannot reach.

While the potential for robots to assist in colonizing other worlds exists, Dr. Strathearn’s cautionary message resonates: ensuring safety, reliability, and regulation for humanoid robots on Earth is paramount. He concluded, “Robots might terraform Mars one day. But on Earth, only strict regulation will keep us safe.” As the field of robotics advances, the balance between innovation and safety will be critical in shaping the future of humanoid technology.