The world is just not quite ready for humanoids yet

The article highlights skepticism from experts about the current state and near-term prospects of humanoid robots, despite significant investment and hype in the sector. Rodney Brooks, a renowned roboticist and iRobot founder, warns of an investment bubble, emphasizing that humanoids still lack the dexterity and fine motor skills necessary for practical use. Other AI and robotics experts echo this caution, noting that widespread adoption of humanoid robots is unlikely for several years, if not over a decade. Fady Saad, a robotics-focused venture capitalist, points out limited market opportunities beyond niche applications like space exploration and raises serious safety concerns about humanoids operating alongside humans, especially in homes. The timeline for achieving functional, commercially viable humanoid robots remains uncertain, complicating investment decisions given venture capital fund lifecycles. Nvidia’s AI research leaders compare the current enthusiasm for humanoids to early excitement around self-driving cars, which have yet to achieve full global scalability despite years of development. The complexity of humanoid robotics—such as managing