Tau Robotics Debuts Humanoid Robot Home Cleaning Service in San Francisco

A US-based company, Tau Robotics, has commenced a robot cleaning service utilising humanoid machines for household chores. The initiative introduces robots to residences, undertaking tasks typically performed by humans. This service is presently available in San Francisco.

Photo by: Tau Robotics

Alexander Koch, Chief Executive Officer of Tau Robotics, announced the new cleaning service on the social media platform X. Videos accompanying the announcement depicted the robots engaging in domestic work. One clip showed a robot disembarking from a van, collecting cleaning supplies, and proceeding to a property in approximately 21 seconds. The robot wore a black uniform and featured a white face with two cameras serving as eyes, exhibiting smooth movement.

And the humanoid cleaning service is priced at USD 30 an hour. Each robot operates under the joint control of a human operator and artificial intelligence, according to the startup. These machines are engineered to manage standard household devices, including vacuum cleaners, and can also dispose of rubbish.

Tau Robotics has designated three distinct humanoid robots for the service, each with specialised functions. Chelsea, one of the models, is designed for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. Its remit includes sinks, counters, mirrors, tiles, and floors, with a stated commitment to using non-toxic products.

Elon, another robot type, is allocated for routine weekly visits. Information from the company's website indicates that following an initial period, Elon can assimilate information regarding the correct placement of household items. This capability allows it to return objects to their designated locations rather than merely consolidating them into a pile. A video clip shows Elon rinsing dishwashing liquid from its claw-like manipulators.

But Tony, the third robot variant, is positioned for comprehensive deep cleaning tasks. This model focuses on hard-to-reach areas such as corners and window tracks, which are often overlooked during routine cleaning operations. All three robot types share an identical physical design, distinguished only by the colouration of their faces: Chelsea has a white face, Elon a purple one, and Tony a green one.

The organisation states its humanoid robots possess the capacity to adjust to individual spaces and to accommodate specific customer preferences. This adaptability is presented as a core feature of the service offering.

Presently, booking for the Tau Robotics cleaning service operates on an invite-only basis for initial members. Prospective clients can register their interest by joining a waitlist, providing their email address and neighbourhood to receive an invite code when availability arises. The service's operational scope is currently confined to San Francisco.

So, while the company confirms human operators jointly control these robots with AI systems, the precise mechanics of this collaborative control remain unspecified. Questions also persist regarding the nature and implementation of privacy safeguards. For comparison, the Neo humanoid robot from 1X Technologies employs a similar joint control mechanism. However, 1X Technologies permits the designation of restricted areas for Neo, preventing human operators from accessing certain rooms. Furthermore, 1X Technologies claims that all faces captured in Neo's visual feed are blurred to protect privacy. According to India Today, these details provide important context for the current offering.

• Tau Robotics has launched a humanoid robot cleaning service in San Francisco.

• The service costs USD 30 per hour and utilises robots jointly controlled by human operators and AI.

• Specialised robot models named Chelsea, Elon, and Tony perform various cleaning functions, from routine to deep cleaning.

• Access to the service is currently restricted to invite-only members via a waitlist in San Francisco.

• The company has not provided details on the specific operation of the human-AI joint control system or privacy measures.

Source: India Today