Tags: iRobot

iRobot co‑founder Brooks recounts a near‑miss with an Agility Robotics Digit humanoid that fell when he got too close, leading him to keep a three‑meter distance from moving bipedal robots. He argues that current walking mechanisms make safety certification for shared human‑robot zones virtually impossible, limiting the deployment of humanoids in health‑care and factories. Looking ahead, Brooks predicts that within 15 years “humanoids” will look nothing like today’s bipedal machines, favoring wheels, varied arm counts, and novel sensor placements. He notes that billions spent on vision‑only, rigid humanoids may be misplaced, while academic work such as MIT’s tactile glove shows promise but remains far from true human‑like dexterity. Weiterlesen

Renowned roboticist Rodney Brooks, co‑founder of iRobot and longtime MIT researcher, cautions investors that the current surge in humanoid robot funding is unsustainable. He argues that attempts by companies such as Tesla and Figure to teach robots dexterity through video training overlook fundamental gaps in tactile sensing, safety, and scalability. Brooks highlights the complexity of the human hand—home to roughly 17,000 specialized touch receptors—and notes the lack of comparable data collection traditions for robots. He also warns that large walking robots pose significant safety hazards and predicts that future successful robots will favor wheels, multiple arms, and specialized sensors over a human‑like form. Weiterlesen

A comprehensive look at the current robot vacuum market highlights leading models such as Roborock Qrevo Curv, TP-Link Tapo RV20 Max, and Eufy Mach S1 Pro. The review evaluates suction power, navigation systems, cleaning modes, and price points, while also noting models that fell short due to mapping errors or connectivity issues. Practical buying tips cover navigation technology, Wi‑Fi compatibility, maintenance, and the importance of a reliable docking station. The guide helps consumers choose a robot vacuum that fits their home layout, budget, and cleaning needs. Weiterlesen