"In fact, the technology for full self-driving using only cameras and AI has not been invented yet, and it's completely unknown how many months, years or decades that invention could take. (Waymo cars, as well as most other self-driving cars, use cameras, lidar, and radar together to build a more detailed and redundant 3D map of the environment.) As self-driving abilities, the humanoid robot game is rife with smoke-and-mirror demonstrations that create the illusion of autonomy, but in fact are mainly remote controlled:"
"Figure AI's Figure 03: Videos of Figure 03 performing at-home tasks went viral for their realism and fluidity, but the company has been scrutinized for whether these were fully autonomous or tele-operated, as similar robots (like NEO from 1X Technologies) often use significant tele-op components, especially in publicity demos. Unitree G1: Unitree's humanoid robot has been demonstrated running and performing dynamic movements. At events like CES, Unitree staff allowed attendees to remote-control the G1, suggesting that some public demos are human-operated."
"Reachy by Pollen Robotics: Reachy can operate in a very limited way autonomously or be tele-operated with VR headsets for precise remote control, a feature highlighted in several high-profile demos and videos where observers may have believed the robot was acting independently. Reflex Robotics, Watney Robotics, and others: These companies employ teleoperation for tasks like cleaning, organizing, or even novelty "robot gaming," where the humanoid form factors are presented as capable, but rely on remote human input for the most sophisticated actions."
Technology for full self-driving using only cameras and AI does not yet exist, and the timeline for such an invention is unknown. Most operational self-driving vehicles combine cameras, lidar, and radar to create redundant 3D environmental maps. Humanoid robot demonstrations frequently present remote-controlled behavior as autonomous performance. Examples include viral Figure 03 videos under scrutiny for tele-operation, Unitree G1 demos allowing attendee remote control, Reachy operating autonomously only in limited ways or via VR teleoperation, and companies like Reflex Robotics relying on teleoperation for complex tasks. Full autonomy in perception, planning, and manipulation remains an immense technical challenge.
Read at Computerworld
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