As it unloads a dishwasher and shelves all the clean contents in their correct place in the kitchen, Figure AI’s latest update to its Helix humanoid robot demonstrates how quickly humanoid robots are advancing.
Two things to keep in mind while watching this video of Helix dealing with a dishwasher. One: From now on, it will only ever get better. Two: What one robot can do, soon all will be able to do.
We are getting closer and closer to humanoid robots that, with minimal training, can tackle most unskilled work. How far away do you think this robot is from being able to stack shelves in a supermarket? It’s an unglamorous job, but in the US alone, the Stockers and Order Fillers occupational category — which includes people who refill shelves, racks, and displays- employs 2.8 million people. It’s only a matter of time before robots like Helix can replace them. Think they won’t be replaced as soon as they can be? Something else to remember - robots will work 24/7, and never need days off, or health & social security contributions.
Ask yourself a question. Can you think of a single elected politician honestly preparing for this reality? I’m guessing you’ll draw a blank.