The rapid progress of generative AI, exemplified by the success of ChatGPT, is having a significant impact on the development of humanoid robots around the world – and South Africa is no exception. This technological advancement is raising concerns about the potential displacement of human workers in the country.
In China, a major manufacturing hub, local companies like Baidu have released AI chatbots and models similar to ChatGPT. This has helped accelerate the research and development of humanoid robots, which are getting closer to reality.
Shenzhen-based startup LimX Dynamics, for instance, has been able to shorten its timeline for producing a humanoid robot capable of not just factory work, but also household tasks. The company’s chief operating officer, Li Zhang, said the use of generative AI tools has “accelerated our entire research and development cycle,” reducing the expected timeline from 8-10 years to just 5-7 years.
This trend is not limited to China. Elon Musk’s Tesla is also developing its own humanoid robot, called Optimus, while OpenAI is backing humanoid robot startups. The race is on to bring these advanced robots to market.
For South Africa, which has a significant manufacturing sector, the rise of humanoid robots poses a potential threat to human jobs. “If we can hit a $50,000 price point, we can sell a lot of robots,” said Steve Hoffman, chairman of a startup accelerator called Founders Space, who is working with a Chinese robot startup called Fastra.
Hoffman pointed out that these robots can operate 24 hours a day, potentially replacing human workers in a cost-effective manner.
While the mechanical limitations of current humanoid robots mean they cannot yet fully replace human laborers, the rapid advancements in generative AI are making these robots more capable and adaptable. This could have a significant impact on the South African job market, particularly in industries like manufacturing, where robots are increasingly being deployed.
To address this challenge, South African policymakers and business leaders will need to work together to develop strategies that harness the benefits of this technology while mitigating its potential negative impact on employment. This may involve investing in reskilling and upskilling programs, as well as exploring ways to integrate human-robot collaboration in the workplace.
The race to develop advanced humanoid robots is on, and South Africa must be prepared to navigate this rapidly changing landscape to ensure a future where technology and human workers can coexist and thrive.