Concerns continue to rise regarding the impact of AI on employment, highlighted by a report revealing that approximately 49,135 layoffs have occurred in the US in 2026 due to advancements in artificial intelligence. The AI robotics firm Figure recently released videos showcasing its humanoid robots performing tasks like cleaning and sorting packages, yet experts caution that the technology is still several years from effectively replacing human workers.
Oliver Obst, an associate professor at the University of New South Wales, noted that while physical jobs in structured settings are most susceptible to automation, humanoid robots are not yet ready for widespread deployment. He explained that existing robotic methods remain more efficient and reliable than current humanoid designs. Obst pointed out that challenges such as speed, safety, and recovery from unexpected situations hinder the effectiveness of robots in dynamic environments.
Despite the impressive capabilities of these robots, Obst emphasized that the complexity of human jobs, which often require judgment and adaptability, remains beyond their reach. He predicted that while AI may continue to automate certain information-based tasks, physical robots still face significant hurdles before achieving mass adoption.