Who needs a humanoid robot when everything is already robotic?

Computerworld October 25, 2024
Mike Elgan

Elon Musk wants his robots to do everything humans can do. Here’s the problem.

Humanoid robots from Tesla can “be a teacher, babysit your kids…, walk your dog, mow your lawn, get the groceries, just be your friend, serve drinks. Whatever you can think of, it will do,” said Elon Musk at this month’s Tesla “We, Robot” showcase in Burbank, CA.

To paraphrase: “Humanoid robots can be human, so you don’t have to!”

It’s a toxic and misguided vision for humanity — let me tell you why.

What is a robot, anyway?

When the public thinks of a robot, they think of a humanoid robot — an intelligent machine with feet, legs, knees, arms, a neck, a head, and a...