A classroom of Aussie primary school kids just took their learning on a fantastic voyage. Their assignment was to sketch out their dream robot that would teach kids how to read. This hands-on activity is indicative of a nationwide movement towards incorporating humanoid robots into K-12 classrooms. As technology evolves, robots like Electric Atlas and Digit are set to revolutionize how humans interact with machines, particularly in learning environments and commercial applications.
Electric Atlas, created by Boston Dynamics, now owned by Hyundai. This magnificent humanoid robot was 178 cm tall and weighed in at 70 kg. This ground-breaking robot is versatile and strong, capable of lifting 20 kg. In addition, it features a face shield with glowing edges that pulse like a beating heart. The design includes a pliable, stretchable, organic “synthetic skin” that moves freely. It’s equipped with a very-visible articulated head that works like a fancy ring light, making clear what your intentions are.
Digit, Agility Robotics’ humanoid robot, stands 175 cm tall. Its unorthodox design is dominated by double orangutan-style arms and a bar fridge torso. Significantly, Digit will be the first humanoid robot deployed commercially in numbers, with thousands planned to be built each year. Operating Digit is inexpensive, estimated to cost about $US2–3 per hour.
The Characteristics of Electric Atlas
Electric Atlas has been designed specifically for flexibility and collaboration among human-dominated ecosystems. Because its locomotion mimics natural gait and natural walking posture, it can traverse environments built for humans with no problem. The robot was designed with user experience in mind, making it fun and user-friendly and not scary like some robots.
“The human brain is broadly trained to see human-ness. We find it easy to treat something as human when it’s not,” said Nathan Caurana, highlighting the psychological aspects of human-robot interaction. Humanoid robots can enhance student interaction in learning environments. They bring complex subjects to life and make learning fun and engaging.
Boston Dynamics has already started trials of Electric Atlas in Boston Dynamics’ own factories, putting its capabilities to the test in real-world scenarios. Our goal is to improve operational efficiency. Finally, we’d like to know how labor adjusts to this new technology on a day-to-day basis.
The Unique Features of Digit
Digit comes loaded with unique features that prepare it for a host of commercial applications. Its design is enabling it to maneuver more complicated environments while still executing functions that usually need human-like dexterity. The robot is remarkable for its unparalleled agility and mobility. Industries looking to automate the processes of physical labor find it an appealing prospect.
Dr. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of design in fostering positive human-robot relationships: “We place an emphasis on design to help convey that robots are helpful to humans and not scary threats.” This viewpoint is essential, especially as businesses reconsider how to incorporate new robots like Digit into their operations.
Agility Robotics has very lofty plans to scale production, looking to produce thousands of Digits per year. This integration represents breaking ground on mainstream acceptance of humanoid robots into day-to-day business operations.
Trust and User Experience in Human-Robot Interaction
As humanoid robots are being deployed, such as AI-city’s robots above, user trust and experience becomes an important consideration. As robots move out of laboratories and into the public spaces, the need for a trustworthy interface becomes all the more crucial. Dr. Rodriguez noted that “as robots move out of labs and the development stage, user experience and trust are essential.”
Finding this balance between anthropomorphism and functionality is an important task. “On one hand, human morphology is a good fit for operating in environments that have been designed for humans,” Dr. Rodriguez explained. On the other hand, she warned, machines with agility could cause humans to ascribe greater smarts or agency than they actually have.
Matt Willis further elaborated on this phenomenon: “The minute you hit the uncanny valley, people don’t trust it.” This idea is behind the uneasiness the public experiences when robots are almost human, but not quite. In order for humanoid robots such as Electric Atlas and Digit to thrive in our society, they need to be approachable. Avoiding the uncanny valley is very important to do that well.
