WSJ Tech News Briefing: Humanoid Robots Are Getting Real Jobs
Release Date: March 4, 2025 | Host: Charlotte Gartenberg | Producer: The Wall Street Journal
Introduction
In the March 4th episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing, host Charlotte Gartenberg delves into two pivotal advancements in the tech world: the innovative use of underutilized graphics processing units (GPUs) by startups to democratize artificial intelligence (AI) development, and the burgeoning role of humanoid robots in various industries. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and expert analyses presented in the episode.
GPUs in AI: Startups Challenging Tech Giants
Democratizing AI with Underused GPUs
The episode opens with a compelling question: Could your gaming PC help train artificial intelligence models? Charlotte Gartenberg introduces the idea that a cohort of startups is exploring the potential of connecting virtual networks of GPUs to rival the extensive AI data centers dominated by industry behemoths like OpenAI, Meta, and Tesla.
Insights from Tech Reporter Deepa Sitharaman
Deepa Sitharaman, the tech reporter, elaborates on this disruptive approach. She explains that these startups aim to leverage GPUs that are often underused in sectors like gaming and cryptocurrency mining. According to Sitharaman:
“Right now they are tiny companies that just started last year, but they have this broader, bigger vision of finding a way to fight against the man is sort of how they view the big tech companies.” ([02:03])
These startups contend that major players are monopolizing GPU resources, making it prohibitively expensive for smaller entities to train large-scale AI models. By utilizing GPUs that are otherwise idle, these companies aim to lower the barriers to entry in AI development.
Potential and Risks
While the concept holds promise, Sitharaman acknowledges significant risks:
“There is absolutely zero guarantee that something like this will actually function in the real world.” ([02:53])
Other concerns include ensuring privacy and security within a distributed GPU system. The decentralized nature of this approach raises questions about data protection and the feasibility of maintaining robust security measures.
Notable Advantages
Despite the challenges, the potential benefits are substantial. Unused GPU capacity represents a missed revenue opportunity for companies, and tapping into this resource could enable more players to innovate in the AI space. As Sitharaman notes:
“Lowering the barrier to entry to building AI tools seems fairly meaningful. And that is something that really could change the way we think about AI systems currently and the way that we engage with the technology overall.” ([04:08])
Humanoid Robots in Real Jobs
From Science Fiction to Reality
Transitioning from AI infrastructure, the episode shifts focus to the tangible advancements in humanoid robotics. Humanoid robots, once relegated to the realms of Star Wars and The Jetsons, are now being integrated into everyday roles, particularly in materials handling within warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
Expert Analysis by Christopher Mims
Tech columnist Christopher Mims provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of humanoid robotics. He identifies leading companies poised to sustain their presence in the industry:
- Apptronic – Based in Austin, Texas, Apptronic focuses on producing affordable humanoid robot bodies, making them more viable for widespread use.
- Agility Robotics – Pioneers in deploying humanoid robots in production environments, notably at Spanx's warehouse in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Tesla’s Optimus – Backed by significant investment, Tesla is developing an AI-powered humanoid robot aimed at comprehensive task automation.
- Boston Dynamics – Renowned for their advanced robotics, Boston Dynamics continues to innovate with humanoid models, despite limited disclosed customer testing.
“The effective hourly wage of their robots... they say they're saving companies money.” ([10:06])
Expanding Roles Beyond Logistics
Mims highlights that while current applications are primarily in logistics, the future holds broader possibilities:
“Eventually these robots are going to be flexible enough that they will probably show up in the service industry... one of the goals is to make them part of elder care.” ([07:57])
Potential roles include assisting in elder care by helping individuals with mobility, personal care tasks, and daily activities, addressing labor shortages in this critical sector.
Technological Advancements Driving Progress
Several technological factors are enabling the enhanced capabilities of humanoid robots:
- Affordable and Advanced Components: The reduction in costs for parts such as camera systems, joints, and actuators, many of which benefit from advancements in the smartphone industry.
- Improved Actuators and Motors: Enhanced precision and power efficiency are crucial for the practical operation of robots without constant recharging.
- AI Integration: Leveraging AI models similar to those driving conversational agents like ChatGPT to animate and control robot movements.
“People have done a lot of work in terms of making those stronger, more precise later, use less power.” ([08:33])
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite progress, significant hurdles remain:
“Moving a robot body is 100 a thousand times more complicated than making a chatbot.” ([11:08])
The complexity of real-world environments and the lack of extensive datasets for training robot movements pose substantial challenges. Additionally, translating simulated learning to real-world applications requires overcoming unpredictable variables and safety concerns.
Industry Perspective
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, envisions a transformative "ChatGPT moment for robotics," underscoring the optimistic yet cautious outlook on the integration of sophisticated AI into humanoid robots.
Conclusion
The episode of WSJ Tech News Briefing masterfully navigates the cutting-edge developments in AI infrastructure and humanoid robotics. By highlighting the innovative strategies of startups challenging entrenched tech giants and the progressive strides in humanoid robot applications, Charlotte Gartenberg and her expert guests provide a comprehensive view of the future of technology. As GPUs become more accessible for AI training and humanoid robots transition from warehouses to broader societal roles, the landscape of technology continues to evolve dynamically, promising both opportunities and challenges ahead.
For more in-depth discussions and exclusive interviews, listeners are encouraged to tune into the latest episode of the WSJ Bold Names podcast, available on all major podcast platforms.