Humanoid Robot Deployment Faces Dual Threats of Foreign Control and Public Backlash, Experts Warn

Technology experts Tom Lee and Alex Kantrowitz caution that the widespread deployment of humanoid robots will introduce significant and currently "underappreciated threats" to society. Their analysis points to two primary concerns: the potential for foreign control through embedded technology and the risk of severe human backlash against automation. This assessment highlights the complex societal challenges accompanying the rapid advancement of robotics.

One major threat identified is the "fear of foreign control," stemming from the possibility of "sleeper agents" embedded within robots. This concern centers on the idea of robots containing "hidden chips, hidden code" that could be exploited for malicious purposes by foreign entities, raising profound national security and data integrity questions as these machines become more integrated into daily life and critical infrastructure.

The second, more visceral threat involves a "backlash from humans" against increased automation and the influence of large technology companies. A notable example cited is the incident in San Francisco's Chinatown in February 2024, where a Waymo self-driving vehicle was vandalized, spray-painted, and ultimately set ablaze by a crowd during Lunar New Year celebrations. This event, widely reported by news outlets like The Guardian and Reuters, saw a mob surround the driverless car, with some individuals throwing a firework inside, causing it to ignite.

According to the experts, these "Waymo burnings weren't random." Instead, they are interpreted as a "symbolic revolt against automation and big tech," reflecting a growing public frustration with the perceived encroachment of autonomous technologies. This sentiment suggests that resistance to advanced robotics may not always manifest as organized protest but can erupt in spontaneous acts of defiance.

Lee and Kantrowitz conclude that while these issues may not constitute a traditional conspiracy, the rollout of humanoid robots could prove to be "the most difficult tech rollout we've ever seen." Their warnings underscore the necessity for developers and policymakers to address not only the technical complexities but also the geopolitical and social implications of advanced AI and robotics to ensure a smoother, more accepted integration into society.