
About this episode
When investigative journalist Stephen Witt visited Silicon Valley’s 1X Technologies to meet a new home robot named Neo, he discovered a device full of contradictions: It was elegantly designed, but often struggled to complete even the simplest of tasks, taking longer than a minute to retrieve a bottle of water. Despite its limitations, more than 10,000 people have placed deposits for the $20,000 android, and Neo is just one of a dozen humanoid robots scheduled for release in the next year. We talk to Witt about the appeal – and challenges – of home robots and how quickly the technology is actually advancing.
Guest:
Stephen Witt, investigative journalist; author
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time KQED's Forum publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from KQED's Forum

Can Anyone Solve America’s $40 Trillion Debt Problem?
KQED's Forum
Sep 3, 202654:45completed

In Daniel Mason’s Comic Novel ‘Country People,’ California Collides with New Eng...
KQED's Forum
Sep 3, 202654:48completed

Rozina Ali Traces Islamophobia’s Long Shadow
KQED's Forum
Sep 2, 202654:50completed

Can the Trump Administration Allow Private Development in Yosemite?
KQED's Forum
Sep 2, 202654:48pending