Do we really need human-like robots?

Robots can be defined as machines capable of carrying out complex tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, controlled by a programme or specific instructions. The main difference between robots and other automated machines is that they can perceive their environment, process that information and act accordingly. In addition, robots must have some ability to adapt and react to external variables.

Depending on their applications, structure, or level of autonomy, we can distinguish several types of robots, for example:

1. Industrial robots: these are those designed for repetitive and precise tasks in industrial environments such as factories, such as assembly, welding and painting.
2. Service robots: these types of robots are involved in public assistance and personal support tasks, including cleaning robots, automatic hoovers, delivery robots or care robots in hospitals.
3. Exploration and rescue robots: these are used in extreme situations or situations that are difficult for humans to access, such as natural disasters, underwater or space exploration.
4. Medical robots: this category includes everything from surgical robots to exoskeletons for assisted mobility. They are characterised by their support in the health sector, whether in surgery, rehabilitation or therapy.
5. Military robots: designed for reconnaissance, bomb disposal and supply transport operations in conflict zones, they bring efficiency and security to the military field.
6. Entertainment and educational robots: these include robots to teach programming and robotics in schools, robotic toys and humanoids for social interaction to enhance learning.
7. Nano- and micro-robots: these are microscale robots used in scientific and medical research. They are being developed for advanced health applications such as targeted treatments and non-invasive procedures.
8. Humanoid robots: used for social interaction, research, and tasks where human appearance facilitates interaction, these are robots that mimic the form and, in some cases, the behaviour of humans.

What makes humanoid robots unique?

Humanoids are robots designed to mimic the physical characteristics and, in some cases, the behaviours or cognitive abilities of humans. Generally, they are developed with a torso, limbs and a head that allow them to perform human-like tasks and movements.

The design and operation of humanoids aim to replicate human aspects not only in appearance, but also in their abilities, such as coordination, balance, and voice and emotion recognition.  Such robots may have applications in sectors such as industry, healthcare, education and domestic care, as some are programmed to interact with the environment and people autonomously or semi-autonomously.

Their design has been an area of active robotics research since the mid-20th century, mainly because they can facilitate human-machine interaction. Robots such as Honda’s ASIMO, Boston Dynamics‘ ATLAS and Hanson Robotics’ Sophia show how humanoid appearance and behaviour can enhance communication and generate empathy.

To better understand the form of communication and interaction between humans and robots, the so-called Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) has emerged, which aims to facilitate an effective, safe and natural relationship between the two. This interdisciplinary field involves knowledge of robotics, psychology, sociology, artificial intelligence (AI) and interface design, aiming to make robots understand and respond appropriately to human actions, facial expressions, voice, gestures and behaviours.

Do we really need human-like robots?

Human appearance in robots is not a necessity in all contexts, but in certain cases it is a means to improve human-robot interaction, making the technology more accessible and acceptable. However, the optimal design will always depend on the end goal: in environments where close human interaction is required, human appearance brings significant value; whereas, in environments aimed at efficiency and productivity, the design should prioritise functionality.

The answer to the question we ask has therefore been the subject of much debate in the scientific and research community, and there is no clear answer.  Ultimately, the design of a robot should focus on fulfilling its intended function in the best possible way, either with a human form or with a purely functional approach. Therefore, the evolution of robotics could lead us to find new trade-offs, where the human and the efficient coexist according to each purpose. It is true that for applications requiring social interaction, empathy and companionship, the human form adds value. However, in industrial or logistical fields, functional and specialised designs are clearly superior.

Future perspectives and societal impact

The development of humanoids has a promising future thanks in part to advances in AI, robotics and sensory technologies, which will allow them to play key roles in sectors such as healthcare, education, or space exploration. Their societal impact includes transforming work, automating repetitive tasks, and providing inclusive support for the elderly and people with disabilities. However, there are also ethical, legal and social acceptance challenges, such as the regulation of their interaction with humans and their sustainability. These technologies promise to transform society, but require careful management to maximise benefits and reduce risks.

Human-Robot Interaction in ARQUIMEA

ARQUIMEA, from its research center located in the Canary Islands, has a research orbital from which it is committed to highly dynamic and efficient robotics for the creation of technology focused on physical human-robot interaction with applications in health, mobility, space, defence or entertainment. To this end, a multidisciplinary research approach is applied in lines such as robotic actuators for agile and efficient robots, perception and neuromorphic computing, or technology to increase space transport capabilities, among others.

Recently, the Robotics orbital has presented the fruit of its research at the ICRA fair held in Japan, through the PULSAR HRI product line.

In addition, all ARQUIMEA Research Center projects belong to the QCIRCLE project, co-funded by the European Union, which aims to create a center of scientific excellence in Spain.