Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging trend of humanoid robots entering households, highlighting both the excitement and skepticism surrounding this development. It emphasizes the need for a more user-centered approach in the design and deployment of household robots, as current trends may not align with user preferences and safety concerns [1][12]. Group 1: Expert Insights - Maya Cakmak, a professor at the University of Washington, expresses her concerns about the practicality of humanoid robots in homes, suggesting that non-humanoid robots may be more effective and user-friendly [3][4]. - Cakmak's research indicates a significant preference among users for specialized robots over humanoid ones, citing safety, privacy, and space concerns as primary reasons [6][8]. Group 2: User Preferences - A study involving 76 participants revealed that most preferred specialized robots for household tasks, associating humanoid robots with safety risks and privacy issues [6][7]. - Users expressed that specialized robots are perceived as safer, more private, and less intrusive compared to humanoid robots, which are often seen as bulky and unnecessary [6][11]. Group 3: Practicality vs. Design - The article highlights a critical contradiction in the industry: while companies pursue humanoid robots for their versatility, users may not require human-like features for effective assistance in household tasks [9][11]. - Cakmak argues that simpler, non-humanoid designs could fulfill most household needs without the complications associated with humanoid robots [11][12]. Group 4: Future Directions - The article concludes that the industry should focus more on user insights and practical applications rather than merely technological advancements. It suggests that companies should share user research data to better align product development with actual user needs [12][14].

Group 1 - The company, Estun, stated on September 3 that its general-purpose robots need to be customized based on the actual application scenarios of customers [2]