Chapter 1: The Limitations of Robotics

In a world where robots can perform a myriad of tasks—from assembling automobiles to exploring the Martian landscape—there remains one distinctly human chore that they struggle to master: folding and putting away laundry.

Robots are capable of an astonishing range of activities. The rapid progression of artificial intelligence, combined with advancements in nano-mechanics and robotics, has allowed these machines to take on various roles in our lives. They can vacuum our floors, trim our lawns, assemble vehicles, clean skyscraper windows, and manipulate materials like metal and wood into complex forms—all without fatigue or complaints. Unlike humans, who need air and sustenance, these machines can venture into extreme environments, from deep oceans to erupting volcanoes, gathering vital data and images to enhance our understanding of the universe. They assist in medical surgeries, handle manufacturing tasks, and even engage with our pets by offering treats. While robots will undoubtedly take on essential functions that we can't yet conceive, they still can't tackle one of the most mundane yet essential household tasks: laundry.

Consider the intricate cognitive processes required for this seemingly simple task, which have been honed through millennia of human evolution. First, one must remove the laundry from the dryer or clothesline and place it on a flat surface. While a robot could be programmed to open the dryer, transfer clothes to a basket, and transport it to a sorting area, would it recognize a tiny sock stuck in a filter or caught in the dryer’s fins?

Once the clothes are on the table, a jumble of different fabrics, colors, and styles, what will the robot do next? It would need to extract an item—likely from the top—examine it, identify its type (shirt, sock, underwear), determine its size, and figure out if it belongs to someone in the household. The robot would then have to navigate the complexities of folding: while folding a pair of underwear might be straightforward, consider how you match socks or neatly fold slacks along the crease. These tasks require dexterity and a keen mind, attributes a robot might struggle to replicate. While robots can learn through experience, they may find it challenging to manage a typical laundry load that could contain dozens of diverse items, all while juggling other tasks like phone calls or dinner preparations.

Now, consider the irregularities that arise during laundry. After a recent dinner party, I found myself faced with mixed loads—t-shirts and boxers tangled with a large tablecloth. As I wrestled with the twisted fabric, other items fell to the ground. Would a robot understand to search for the misplaced sock? Could it deftly maneuver the tablecloth to free the hidden items? What about the challenge of folding a large sheet that lacks clear markings, or tackling fitted sheets with washcloths trapped in their corners?

After navigating the complexities of folding, the robot would then need to organize the items on the folding table in a way that allows for efficient stacking and storage. I have various types of socks, and I often forgo matching pairs. Can a robot comprehend the nuances of my preferences—such as keeping whimsical socks separate from my formal wear—or understand that my right foot requires a slightly larger sock?

Once the sorting is complete, the robot would face the final hurdle: putting everything away. This wouldn't be a simple task unless each item had a QR code or other identifier, along with a programmed set of instructions for handling each garment. While this is theoretically possible, envision the complications that would arise in manufacturing unique codes for every single piece of clothing and the need for users to program their machines for each new item. “Just a moment, dear, I bought a new sweater and now I have to teach my laundry robot how to fold it properly.”

While the future of robotics is promising, the reality of a robot efficiently managing laundry remains distant. Significant adjustments would be necessary, such as redesigning laundry areas to accommodate robotic helpers or drastically simplifying our wardrobes.

This morning, I spent about ten minutes folding laundry. I navigated two steps, cleared a vase from the dining room table, emptied the basket, sorted and folded, and removed three items my husband had left in the dryer. I returned each item to its designated place, from socks to shirts, and completed my task without conscious thought, as I do every week. Meanwhile, my Roomba struggles to navigate the first two steps.

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