There are plenty of safety concerns to consider when deploying robots in workplaces like warehouses alongside human workers. They can lead to malfunctions, injuries, fires — and in extreme cases, even deaths.
And now that we’re inching closer to a reality where two-legged humanoid robot coworkers are a common sight at the jobsite, some companies are taking the implications of having powerful machines work in close proximity to humans seriously.
Case in point, robotics company Agility Robotics unveiled its latest “general purpose” humanoid robot, dubbed Digit 5, earlier this week. The bot leverages “proprietary AI algorithms” and sensors to “continuously monitor for people and take appropriate action by autonomously avoiding, stopping or assuming a seated position.”
In practice, that means the hulking bot cowers in apparent fear and drops to its knees when a human turns the corner, as seen in a promotional video (around the 43 second mark). It’s a fascinating new dynamic that feels oddly reassuring in a world where human interests are quickly becoming subordinate to the demands of AI.
