Expert Warns of Risks as Humanoid Robots Approach Reality

As autonomous humanoid robots advance towards reality, concerns about their safety and regulation are coming to the forefront. Dr. Carl Strathearn, a leading robotics expert and Lecturer in Computer Science at Edinburgh Napier University, emphasizes the need for strict regulations to mitigate potential risks posed by these technologies. He will address these issues at the upcoming New Scientist Live event, scheduled for October 18-20, 2023, at London’s ExCel center.

Despite exciting demonstrations showcasing robots performing tasks like pouring drinks and folding clothes, Dr. Strathearn notes a significant gap between these impressive displays and the reality of reliable humanoid assistance in everyday life. He states, “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 often rely on virtual simulations and limited data sources, which can lead to challenges when deployed in unpredictable real-world environments.

Dr. Strathearn is currently leading a petition to the UK Parliament advocating for the regulation of humanoid robots in public spaces. “Humans control them using handheld devices, which makes them very dangerous and unreliable,” he explains. He points to increasing incidents of near misses between humans and robots, which stem from human error rather than failures of artificial intelligence.

Challenges and Opportunities in Robotics

The perception of humanoid robots poses another hurdle. Overly lifelike robots can evoke discomfort, a phenomenon known as the “uncanny valley.” Dr. Strathearn acknowledges, “People have different thresholds of perception when it comes to creepiness.” He suggests that while some situations, like dementia care, could benefit from human-like robots, others may require designs that minimize lifelike features.

To address the challenges of training robots, Dr. Strathearn proposes crowdsourcing real-world data through innovative technologies such as smart glasses. However, he admits that this approach would demand extensive participation, raising ethical considerations surrounding data collection.

Amid these concerns, the race to develop humanoid robots continues unabated. Major companies are eager to mass-produce these technologies, despite the existing skills shortage in the robotics field. Dr. Strathearn warns that universities often train students in isolated disciplines, such as computer science or engineering, rather than fostering interdisciplinary skills essential for the future of robotics.

Exploring New Frontiers

Ironically, Dr. Strathearn suggests that the first real-world applications for humanoid robots may be found beyond Earth. “Space exploration for sure — we could use telemetric or AI-controlled humanoids to work in space for longer periods than humans,” he notes. These robots could potentially play a crucial role in terraforming planets or navigating challenging terrains on alien worlds.

Dr. Strathearn concludes with a strong message about the importance of regulation: “Robots might terraform Mars one day. But on Earth, only strict regulation will keep us safe.” As the field of robotics continues to evolve, ensuring that these technologies are safe, reliable, and properly governed will be essential for their successful integration into society.