
What’s Driving the Push For Humanoid Robots w/ James Vincent
From Tech Won't Save Us by Paris Marx
February 19, 2026 · 59 min · Episode 316
About this episode
Paris Marx and James Vincent discuss the rise of humanoid robots and their implications for society.
Paris Marx is joined by James Vincent to discuss why we’re seeing humanoid robots everywhere, the motivations to pursue an all-purpose robot, how close we are to achieving that goal, and the social implications if we were to achieve it. James Vincent is a UK-based journalist and author of Beyond Measure: The Hidden History of Measurement from Cubits to Quantum Constants. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon. The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Kyla Hewson. Exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan at https://incogni.com/saveus. Promo Code SAVEUS Also mentioned in this episode: James wrote about what kicking robots can tell us about the state of modern robotics Rodney Brooks makes a case for the difficulty in teaching robots human dexterity Here is an in-depth look at what Agility Robotics has been working on Shout-out to the 2008 movie Sleep Dealer Japanese convenience stores are using robots run by offshore operators This is what a toilet cleaning robot looks like
People in this episode
Host: Paris Marx
Guest: James Vincent
Topics covered
- humanoid robots
- robotics
- social implications
- technology
- journalism
Keywords
- humanoid robots
- robotics
- technology
- social implications
- James Vincent
Sponsors
Incogni
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Nation, Agility Robotics
Books & works: Beyond Measure: The Hidden History of Measurement from Cubits to Quantum Constants, Sleep Dealer
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