Humanoid robots best suited for interaction and not chores, says robotics pioneer

A robot designed by Engineers Arts and called Ameca, interacts with visitors during the International Conference on Robotics and Automation ICRA (Frank Augstein/AP)

Robots that look and act like people are best suited for human interaction and not domestic chores like unloading the dishwasher, a British robotics pioneer has said.

Will Jackson, founder and director or Cornwall-based robotics firm Engineered Arts, said it does not make business sense to design humanoid robots for low-value labour such as handling crockery – which can be a difficult task in itself.