Embodied AI is repeating cobots' path: demos proven dead ends a decade ago

yongqianme · x · 2026-09-29

A commentary argues embodied AI startups are repeating the cobot playbook: flashy demos like humanoid baristas and pharmacy sorting were proven commercial dead ends a decade ago. Cobots only found product-market fit by retreating to industrial tasks (screwdriving, welding, palletizing); today's embodied AI founders hold sky-high valuations while retreading the same path. The author also notes the industry's ageism paradox — shunning 35+ veterans while following the trail they blazed.

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