This article does trigger some good questions for companies & households to consider as we roll forward into robotic mania. One, is the cost to replace or the cost to update/ upgrade your new “humanoid robot/s.” How do we look at CapEx when is comes to a “humanoid robot” v. a non-humanoid machine; and what will congress & government’s/ IRS viewpoint be around a “humanoid”; will there be special new rules in how we depreciate and do tax breaks on “humanoids” v. non humanoid AI machines?
Bottom line is, with a humanoid bot we’re stepping into a realm of companionship, relationships, etc. like any one would have with a person in their household, company, etc. And, the way government, etc. will view those situations and relationships may get interesting for all of us. We still have lots and lots of questions to figure out around this area; however, we do still have some time.
Atlas robot assistant from Team IHMC has a way to go before it can perform tasks nearly as effectively as humans can.