An MIT roboticist who cofounded bankrupt robot vacuum maker iRobot says Elon Musk’s vision of humanoid robot assistants is ‘pure fantasy thinking’

Fortune

by Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez

February 25, 2026

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An MIT roboticist and cofounder of iRobot, Rodney Brooks, has criticized Elon Musk's vision of humanoid robot assistants as "pure fantasy thinking." Brooks argues that investing billions in humanoid robots is misplaced, as they face significant challenges in coordination and dexterity. Instead, he predicts future robots will be practical, with features like wheels, multiple arms, and specialized tools—though still classified as "humanoid" for simplicity. Brooks highlights the complexity of replicating human touch, a critical factor in dexterity that current AI struggles to master. While Musk's Tesla and Figure are training humanoid robots using human task videos, Brooks questions this approach, suggesting university researchers might achieve progress faster with less funding. He points out that touch data lacks the same robust training datasets as speech or image recognition. The article also notes iRobot's financial decline, having filed for bankruptcy after Amazon's acquisition talks fell through. Despite its challenges, iRobot will be acquired by a Chinese manufacturer, ensuring continuity for existing products like Roomba. Meanwhile, Musk and Figure continue to push humanoid robot development, with Tesla planning to sell Optimus robots by 2027. Brooks warns that today's humanoid robot efforts may fade into obscurity as practical, task-specific robots gain traction. He envisions successful robots in 15 years as more akin to machines than humans—practical, efficient, and less focused on human-like appearance. This shift could redefine the future of robotics, emphasizing functionality over fantasy. For businesses and investors, Brooks' critique underscores the risks of overinvesting in unproven technologies. His insights challenge the narrative around humanoid robots, urging a more pragmatic approach to development and investment. As the field evolves, the balance between innovation and practicality will likely shape its future success

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/25/2026