Allison Okamura tells Sophia Dew that specialised robots can perform particular tasks efficiently and may reach useful applications sooner than general-purpose humanoidsA humanoid robot is a robot whose body and movement are designed around a broadly human-like form.. She discusses the safety challenges of using agentic AI in machines that act in the physical world.
Allison Okamura explains a robotic garment concept and soft growing vine robotsSoft robotics is the study and design of robots that use flexible or deformable materials as functional parts of their bodies. Their compliance affects how they move, grasp objects and interact with surroundings. that extend through confined spaces. The devices can use sensors or human teleoperationTeleoperation means a human controls a machine from a separate location through an interface and communication link. Feedback such as camera images or forces helps the operator understand the remote task., and she distinguishes research applications from existing clinical use.
The conversation considers a growing robotic sheet that could help a caregiver move someone from a bed, along with nearer-term uses in manufacturing and entertainment. Allison Okamura presents the timeline for safe general-purpose home care as her assessment rather than a guaranteed prediction.
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