From MIT Technology Review · · 2m
AI's limits in robotics and a flood-fighting rubber dam
Researchers doubt AI breakthroughs will soon enable humanoid robots, while a startup tackles rising seas with portable barriers.
In brief
Researchers doubt AI breakthroughs will soon enable humanoid robots, while a startup tackles rising seas with portable barriers. Researchers are skeptical that language AI can master physical robotics, and WaveSave's portable rubber dam offers a practical climate adaptation as flood risks worsen. Originally reported…
Hype around humanoid robots is rising
The idea that AI advances behind ChatGPT and Claude could enable robots to imitate human movement the way chatbots imitate human language is driving excitement about humanoid robots.
Many researchers are skeptical
Researchers argue that such assumptions minimize the challenges of using intelligence built on language and images to master the infinite variability of the physical world.
Humanoids and generalists are different
Researchers point out that conflating humanoids with so-called generalist machines is misleading about what current AI can actually achieve in robotics.
Robotics labs are divided
Tensions have emerged across robotics labs over whether current forms of AI are all that's needed to perfect all-purpose humanoids or whether an entirely new path is required.
WaveSave tackles rising flood risks
As sea levels rise and flood risks worsen, WaveSave has emerged with a portable rubber dam that's quick to install when flooding starts.
The SlamDam is simple to deploy
Anyone can unfurl the SlamDam on the ground along a riverbank or shoreline and pump it full of water until it swells into place.
The dam reaches significant height
The SlamDam stands up to one point three metres high, shielding nearby property or structures from damage as waters rise.
WaveSave is expanding its approach
WaveSave now plans to take its unusual approach to flood protection much further, scaling the technology beyond initial deployments.
Climate tech reflects current trends
This year's climate tech companies reveal that China is the centre of the climate and energy tech world, everybody wants a piece of the data centre pie, and the grid needs support.
Energy storage is moving forward
Energy storage is a key piece moving forward as the grid needs support and climate tech companies work on solutions for powering the world.
The essence
Researchers are skeptical that language AI can master physical robotics, and WaveSave's portable rubber dam offers a practical climate adaptation as flood risks worsen.
