TECHNOLOGY NOT THERE YET: EXPERTS
Experts said current robotics technology cannot yet replicate how humans clean at food centres because of the dynamic nature of these environments, where flexibility and judgment are essential.
Associate Professor Harold Soh from the National University of Singapore’s computer science department described food centre environments as a “super challenge” for robots, which must contend with different patrons, objects and unexpected incidents.
“Effective cleaning in such a space requires both physical intelligence (dexterous hands, balance) and social intelligence (knowing when to move, when to stop, and how not to annoy or injure customers),” he said. “Robots today struggle with both.”
While robots can run, jump or do backflips in controlled settings, they frequently fail at everyday tasks like picking up irregular objects, handling soft or slippery food waste, or stacking items reliably, he added.
