Gig workers train humanoid robots with home chore videos

Companies are employing gig workers globally, including in Nigeria and India, to record themselves performing everyday chores like folding laundry and washing dishes. These videos, captured using smartphones mounted on their heads, serve as crucial real-world data for training advanced humanoid robots. This novel approach, inspired by the success of large language models, aims to equip robots with the physical manipulation skills needed for tasks in homes and factories. While providing well-paying gig opportunities and boosting local economies, the practice raises significant privacy and consent concerns for the data recorders.