Robot-training startup will send humans wearing cameras to clean your home

A new tech startup is shaking up home services in New York City by providing complimentary cleaning services, but with a unique twist. This initiative involves ‘professional cleaners’ equipped with cameras that record their cleaning processes, with the intent of using this footage to train AI-driven robots. The initiative is spearheaded by the German startup MicroAGI, which describes itself on its website as a collective of engineers, researchers, and operators dedicated to advancing embodied AI technologies. The company recently launched its Shift app, promoting the free cleaning service through social media channels including X and LinkedIn, showcasing a promotional video set to the iconic tune of 'Empire State of Mind' by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. According to the Shift app, the service connects users with trusted professional cleaners at no cost, in exchange for ‘first-person cleaning footage’ that will contribute to the development of future household robots. Interested clients can book a free cleaning by providing their contact details and home access instructions, with each session expected to last around two hours. From a privacy perspective, the Shift app addresses concerns by stating that all personal identifiers, such as names and faces, are automatically anonymized before any footage is utilized. The FAQs on their website assure users that sensitive information is blurred to protect privacy, with advanced machine learning models employed directly on the recording devices to ensure data security. However, there are some unanswered questions regarding the ability of users to request the removal of their home cleaning footage from the AI training datasets. Additionally, the effectiveness of their anonymization methods in preventing the identification of residences remains unclear. While the Shift app promotes the cleaning service as having 'no catch', the FAQs do mention that users must provide payment information during booking and may incur charges for late cancellations or if they are unavailable at the scheduled time. Moreover, the terms of service indicate that the platform does not accept liability for any property damage, theft, or personal injuries that might occur during the cleaning sessions.