Humanoid Robots Dazzle at CES, Yet Industry Seeks Practical Use

Humanoid robots showcased a range of impressive abilities at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week, performing tasks from dancing to playing ping-pong. Yet, despite these captivating demonstrations, industry experts express a strong desire for these robots to evolve into more practical applications. As the annual CES gadget fest highlights the potential of robotics, professionals in the field caution that achieving true human-like functionality will require several more years of development and extensive training.

To become genuinely autonomous, humanoid robots must integrate artificial intelligence that translates sensory input into actionable responses. This challenge exceeds the capabilities of current large language models, such as those powering tools like ChatGPT. Training these models relies on vast amounts of internet data, which does not adequately prepare robots for real-world tasks, such as cooking or working in factories. “If you want robots to learn embodied things, you have to put them inside a body,” said Henny Admoni, an associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s robotics institute.

Christian Rokseth, founder of Humanoid Guide, drew a comparison to a child locked in a room, unable to learn about the world. While advancements have been made, particularly in hardware, Rokseth emphasized the urgent need for innovation in practical applications. “They’ve shown robots dancing and doing kung fu; now show us that they can be productive,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Evan Yao, founder of EngineAI, highlighted his company’s collaboration with major tech firms like Amazon and Meta to enhance the intelligence of their robotic creations. “We are trying to simulate humans, but the robots will never become human,” Yao explained, acknowledging the emotional depth that distinguishes humans from machines.

In a different showcase at CES, a team led by Yiran Sui presented a humanoid robot developed to train for the Beijing Marathon, demonstrating another facet of robotics innovation. These developments reflect a broader trend noted by the Consumer Technology Association, which projects the global robotics market will reach $179 billion by 2030. The majority of this growth is anticipated in controlled environments such as factories and warehouses, where robots, regardless of being humanoid, can operate effectively.

Several industry leaders, including Artem Sokolov, founder of a humanoid robotics startup in London, advocate for the necessity of humanoid robots in factory settings, given that humans also work there. At CES, Hyundai introduced a humanoid robot named Atlas, developed in partnership with Boston Dynamics, which is set to undergo testing in industrial environments.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding new robotic technologies, experts urge caution regarding claims of fully autonomous humanoid robots. “There has been a ton of new companies claiming that they are developing autonomous humanoid robots,” Admoni remarked. “But these systems tend to be teleoperated; you have a person in a suit or using controllers, and every movement of that person is then translated into the robot.”

To address the challenges of training, innovative startups are exploring methods such as having individuals wear cameras and haptic gloves while performing household chores. “To make robots general machines, they need to be let out in the real world,” Rokseth asserted, emphasizing the importance of environments beyond assembly lines and warehouses.

As the robotics industry continues to evolve, the focus remains on bridging the gap between captivating demonstrations and practical, functional applications that can enhance productivity across various sectors.