Recent Struggles for Humanoid Robots
Humanoid robots have faced quite a few challenges lately.
In Shenzhen, China, a store aptly named Future Era witnessed a robot attempting to dance to “Billie Jean,” only to end up face-first on the ground and needing to be pulled off the stage. Similarly, during the Beijing Half Marathon, another robot dismantled itself right on the course.
While humanoid robots like Neo, Figure, and those from Boston Dynamics are impressive and bring a certain excitement (I mean, who wouldn’t want a robot to tackle laundry?), they still aren’t quite ready for the spotlight. A big part of the issue lies in the extensive data required for them to be fully functional.
Companies focusing on physical AI are actively working on solutions that could accelerate development, possibly even reducing the workforce in the short term—if you’re okay with sacrificing some privacy.
When it comes to data, large language models (LLMs) are resource-heavy, but humanoid robots demand much more data than that. “We need hundreds of times more data,” said Berkan Kilic, CEO of microAGI, suggesting that it’s improbable for robots to safely and accurately manage even basic tasks like folding clothes in the next five years.
Nevertheless, this data dilemma is opening unique opportunities. Particularly for those seeking less expensive labor, there’s a chance to gather training data from personal spaces. Kilic’s company, Shift, has recently offered complimentary home cleaning services in New York City. The catch? Participants must allow the entire cleaning session to be filmed and used as training material for robots.
Kilic also feels that this can be a fair way to compensate individuals for their data. “We want to encourage people to get compensated for their data and ensure that buyers pay for it,” he explained. “Rights are a wealth transfer. This is a new AI economy where you earn more and pay less.”
Every home visit results in unpredictable and authentic footage—something that can’t be mimicked in a controlled environment. While Shift hasn’t disclosed how long the free service will continue, its ambitions are larger. The idea is that everyday individuals might exchange access to their homes—and eventually services like roof cleaning and plumbing—for subsidized services, all while robots learn quietly in the background.
But, of course, you might wonder about the implications of a tech firm capturing detailed images of your living space. The company claims the data will remain anonymized and be sold to robot developers. Yet, questions linger about who will purchase it, how it will be utilized, and whether a free cleaning service truly justifies giving a startup a video blueprint of your home.
