Kicking Robots (harpers.org)

A U.S. startup called Apptronik is at the forefront of humanoid robotics, unveiling its latest prototype, Apollo, a sophisticated humanoid robot designed for various physical tasks. Highlighting the significance of balance and stability, roboticists often test these machines through unconventional means, like pushing or kicking, to understand their capabilities. The growing demand for humanoid robots is fueled by labor shortages and predictions that they could form a $5 trillion industry by 2035, making such advancements crucial for both technological progress and economic stability. Apollo's development marks a pivotal moment, driven largely by advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Current efforts focus on utilizing deep learning to enable robots to perform complex tasks by analyzing video and sensor data, transitioning from rigid programming to adaptive behavior models. This evolution in robotics is drawing parallels to the transformative impact of AI technologies, such as large language models, and has sparked discussions about whether this is the dawn of a "ChatGPT moment" for robots. The industry's trajectory poses questions about sustainability and real-world application, as it balances between transformative potential and the risk of inflated expectations.