As robots transition from novelty to necessity, the surge of practical applications — from robotaxis to cleaning bots — suggests society is ready to embrace an automation-fueled future, albeit with a side of regulatory trepidation.
Amazon's Zoox received US approval for driverless robotaxis, Waymo allows chatting with passengers during rides, Tesla's self-driving manager exposes scary conditions for testing robotaxis.
Humanoid robot skin can sense people pre-contact, Figure.AI showcases its robot climbing ladders, San Francisco company offers cleaning services with humanoid robots.
Robot guards now patrol graveyards, $30/hour robot cleaning services are being introduced, NY school district cancels plans for a robot teaching assistant.
Centaur robot is meeting mixed reactions, Uber expands its autonomous vehicle empire, Tesla