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The Unsettling Rise of AI and Robotics: From Humanoids to Humanity's Potential Demise

The Dawn of a Robotic Age

Recently, Shanghai hosted its World AI Festival, showcasing some of the most advanced robotic technologies emerging today. Thousands of businesses participated, unveiling innovations that seem straight out of science fiction. These robots are capable of performing a wide array of tasks—from serving beer to playing mahjong, stacking shelves, or even engaging in boxing matches. Among the most intriguing was the debut of humanoid robots available for purchase, priced at around $8,000. While their current functions may seem trivial or amusing, the implications of widespread adoption are profound and, for many, deeply unnerving.