Humanoid robots — actually useful ones, the kind you might encounter in day-to-day life — have long been the territory of science fiction, not reality. But their sci-fi ubiquity makes them an understandably tantalizing prospect, and “embodied AI” — AI given a physical system — is already making a difference in the world. Could this finally be their moment? In this month’s Highlight cover story, Adam Clark Estes explains what he learned watching a robot make lemonade, and what it tells us about the future of humanoid robots. Also in this issue: A jobless boom. The ethics of small pet ownership. And remembering the man who killed smallpox.
By Dylan Scott
We’re in an economic boom. Where are the jobs?
By Heather Long
Coming February 3
The forgotten hero who helped eradicate one of humanity’s oldest killers
By Bryan Walsh
Coming February 3
Who on Earth still doesn’t have electricity?
By Umair Irfan
Coming February 4
By Adam Clark Estes
Coming February 5
The case against owning small pets
By Kenny Torrella
Coming February 6
